Stuart Russell, a UC Berkeley professor and author of 'Human Compatible,' and Gary Marcus, a renowned scientist and author, delve into the complexities of artificial intelligence. They explore the limitations of current AI technologies, especially ChatGPT, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial general intelligence. The duo discusses the risks of misinformation, the need for human values in AI systems, and the urgent call for regulations to protect democracy and public safety amid evolving tech. They reveal how business models can exacerbate misinformation crises.
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insights INSIGHT
Expertise Paradox
Expertise and authority are inherently unstable because truth doesn't depend on credentials.
Respect for authority is necessary but also requires skepticism and awareness of potential corruption.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Dialogue's Limits
Don't assume open dialogue alone solves misinformation. Acknowledge the difference between knowledge and speculation or unfounded opinions.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Instagram Backlash
Sam Harris' team posted his quotes on Instagram, which led to intense backlash and highlighted the futility of social media engagement.
This experience reinforced his decision to stay off social media.
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Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control
Stuart J. Russell
In this book, Stuart Russell explores the concept of intelligence in humans and machines, outlining the near-term benefits and potential risks of AI. He discusses the misuse of AI, from lethal autonomous weapons to viral sabotage, and proposes a novel solution by rebuilding AI on a new foundation where machines are inherently uncertain about human preferences. This approach aims to create machines that are humble, altruistic, and committed to pursuing human objectives, ensuring they remain provably deferential and beneficial to humans.
Rebooting AI
Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust
Gary Marcus
Ernest Davis
Gary Marcus and Ernest Davis provide a lucid assessment of the current science in AI, explaining what today’s AI can and cannot do. They argue that current AI systems, based on deep learning, are narrow and brittle, and that achieving true artificial general intelligence requires moving beyond statistical analysis and large data sets. The authors suggest that by incorporating knowledge-driven approaches and common sense, we can build AI systems that are reliable and trustworthy in various aspects of our lives, such as homes, cars, and medical offices.
Sam Harris speaks with Stuart Russell and Gary Marcus about recent developments in artificial intelligence and the long-term risks of producing artificial general intelligence (AGI). They discuss the limitations of Deep Learning, the surprising power of narrow AI, ChatGPT, a possible misinformation apocalypse, the problem of instantiating human values, the business model of the Internet, the meta-verse, digital provenance, using AI to control AI, the control problem, emergent goals, locking down core values, programming uncertainty about human values into AGI, the prospects of slowing or stopping AI progress, and other topics.
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Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.
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