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“‘Slow’ takeoff is a terrible term for ‘maybe even faster takeoff, actually’” by Raemon
Sep 29, 2024
In this enlightening discussion, Paul Christiano, known for popularizing the term 'slow takeoff' in AI development, sheds light on the confusion surrounding AI timelines. He argues that 'slow' should not imply longer calendar periods but rather smoother, continuous progress, which can actually accelerate development. Paul advocates for clearer terminology to enhance communication in the tech community, ensuring that policymakers and innovators can better navigate the complexities of AI advancements.
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Quick takeaways
- The term 'slow takeoff' is misleading as it can imply both prolonged timelines and faster, smoother advancements in AI development.
- Confusing terminology in AI discussions could hinder effective policymaking and strategic planning, emphasizing the need for clearer language.
Deep dives
Redefining Takeoff Terminology
The discussion highlights the confusion surrounding the term 'slow takeoff' in the context of AI development. Traditionally, 'slow takeoff' was assumed to imply a prolonged time frame for achieving full AI capabilities, but it can also denote a smooth and continuous evolution that may actually occur more quickly. This misinterpretation can lead to significant misunderstandings among policymakers and strategists who are not familiar with the nuances of the terminology. The suggestion is made to adopt clearer terms like 'smooth' and 'sharp' takeoff to avoid conflating the concepts of smoothness with longer timelines.
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