Bankless LIMITLESS - AI DEBATE: Runaway Superintelligence or Normal Technology? | Daniel Kokotajlo vs Arvind
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Jun 4, 2025 
In a riveting debate, Daniel Kokotajlo, a former OpenAI researcher and author of AI 2027, argues for a rapid intelligence explosion, while Arvind Narayanan, a Princeton professor and co-author of AI Snake Oil, asserts that AI is manageable and slow to reshape society. They tackle whether AI is just another technology or a new species, explore its potential economic transformations, and discuss the power dynamics involved in AI governance. Their contrasting perspectives provide a fascinating glimpse into the future of AI and its implications for humanity.
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AI's Transformative Process Is Gradual
- AI's transformative impact unfolds gradually through invention, innovation, adoption, and adaptation phases.
- Instant economic or social overhaul from new AI capabilities is unlikely due to inherent systemic bottlenecks.
Superintelligence Sparks Rapid Change
- Superintelligence defined as AI outperforming humans in all relevant cognitive tasks could trigger fast economic transformation.
- Bottlenecks and political race dynamics impact how quickly AI reshapes industries and economies.
Distinguishing AI Capability vs Power
- Decoupling AI capabilities from power allows controlling risk by limiting AI's economic and political authority.
- Managing AI deployment with oversight through institutions preserves democratic values and civil liberties.