We can't mitigate AI risks we've never imagined (with Darren McKee)

18 snips

Dec 6, 2023

Darren McKee, author of "Uncontrollable" and speaker for AIGS Canada, dives into the crucial role of imagination in recognizing potential AI risks. He discusses the failures of public perception and cognitive biases that hinder our understanding of AI dangers. McKee emphasizes the significance of scenario planning and foresight to navigate uncertainties in AI development. He also addresses misconceptions about AI control and highlights the need for collective action to enhance safety, showcasing how individuals can contribute to mitigating these risks.

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INSIGHT

Importance of Imagination

Imagination is fundamental to considering potential futures different from the present.
Failures of imagination can hinder anticipating and preparing for unexpected events.

ANECDOTE

The Overflowing Lake

A village near a lake never experienced an overflow, lacking it in their mental model.
When the overflow occurred, they hadn't prepared, highlighting the danger of overlooking potential scenarios.

ANECDOTE

Waning Pandemic Interest

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, interest and funding for pandemic prevention have decreased.
This demonstrates how quickly society forgets crucial lessons, even after major events.

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Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel Kahneman

In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

Life 3.0

Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Max Tegmark

In 'Life 3.0,' Max Tegmark discusses the evolution of life in three stages: Life 1.0 (biological), Life 2.0 (cultural), and the theoretical Life 3.0 (technological), where life designs both its hardware and software. The book delves into the current state of AI research, potential future scenarios, and the societal implications of advanced technologies. Tegmark also explores concepts such as intelligence, memory, computation, learning, and consciousness, and discusses the risks and benefits associated with the development of artificial general intelligence. The book advocates for a thoughtful and collaborative approach to ensure that AI benefits humanity and emphasizes the importance of AI safety research[2][5][6].

Uncontrollable

The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence and the Race to Save the World

Darren McKee

Uncontrollable examines artificial intelligence as a concept and technology, describing what AI is, how image generators and language models work, and the risks associated with artificial superintelligence. The book is divided into three parts: 'What is Happening?' which provides an overview of the current AI landscape; 'What are the Problems?' which details potential existential risks; and 'What can we Do?' which discusses ways to mitigate these risks. McKee uses engaging analogies and relatable examples to make the topic accessible to readers without a technical background. Despite its warning about the dangers of AI, the book is ultimately hopeful and provides concrete suggestions for society and citizens to create a safer future with AI.