Eliezer Yudkowsky on the Dangers of AI

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

In this book, Nick Bostrom delves into the implications of creating superintelligence, which could surpass human intelligence in all domains. He discusses the potential dangers, such as the loss of human control over such powerful entities, and presents various strategies to ensure that superintelligences align with human values. The book examines the 'AI control problem' and the need to endow future machine intelligence with positive values to prevent existential risks.

Nanosystems provides a comprehensive introduction to molecular nanotechnology, exploring its potential to transform engineering, chemistry, medicine, and computer technology. The book covers nanomechanical components, devices, and systems, including advanced manufacturing and computational systems. It integrates physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, and computer science to chart a path from current laboratory capabilities to future molecular manufacturing.

Nanomedicine, Volume I: Basic Capabilities, by Robert A. Freitas Jr., delves into the application of nanotechnology in medicine. It discusses how molecular machine systems can address medical problems and improve human health at the molecular scale. The book is part of a series that aims to comprehensively cover the technical aspects of nanomedicine.