LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Capital Ownership Will Not Prevent Human Disempowerment” by beren
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Jan 11, 2025 The discussion centers on the role of capital in an AI-driven future and its impact on power dynamics. It questions whether mere ownership will safeguard humanity's control as technology evolves. Historical comparisons spotlight potential pitfalls for traditional capital amidst rapid change. The podcast also highlights how increasing information asymmetries may erode human influence over businesses, emphasizing a necessary balance between autonomous AIs and regulatory measures to ensure safety and economic stability.
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Capital Ownership and AI
- In a slow takeoff AI future, some believe humanity will remain in control due to capital ownership.
- However, this assumes a positive singularity and ignores competitive pressures within an AI economy.
Feudal Aristocracy and Industrial Revolution
- The feudal aristocracy owned the capital (land) and controlled politics before the Industrial Revolution.
- Despite this, they lost their dominance within a few centuries, demonstrating that capital ownership alone doesn't guarantee power.
Changing Forms of Capital
- The Industrial Revolution introduced new forms of capital (factories, supply chains), which offered higher returns than land.
- This allowed industrialists to surpass the landed aristocracy in wealth, despite starting with less capital.