Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000 Defining AGI: Oops! All Eugenics, 2025.12.08
Dec 30, 2025
A new definition of artificial general intelligence is under fire for its flawed assumptions and weak scientific backing. The hosts deconstruct its ties to eugenics while mocking dubious cognitive assessments and biased test choices. They also celebrate a union win for journalists protecting against unconsulted AI uses. Intriguing critiques of flashy AI promotions and shocking revelations about companies cheating on evaluations add flavor. Plus, don't miss their hilarious takes on AI-related absurdities like intrusive pop-up alerts!
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Psychometric Repackaging Masks Eugenic Roots
- The new AGI definition paper repackages psychometrics to claim a concrete, measurable AGI tied to a "well-educated adult."
- Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna argue this reification echoes eugenic ranking traditions and lacks scientific grounding.
Undefined 'Well-Educated Adult' Undermines Validity
- The paper defines AGI as mapping to cognitive versatility of a "well-educated adult" without actually defining that term.
- Emily points out this presupposes a scalar measure of cognition and slips into normative ranking territory.
CHO Model's Troubled Lineage Ignored
- The authors borrow the Cattell-Horn-Carroll psychometric framework and call it "most empirically validated" without grappling with its problematic history.
- Alex and Emily trace connections from that framework to figures and ideas tied to eugenics and race science.