How We Keep Humans in Control of AI (with Beatrice Erkers)

Sep 26, 2025

Beatrice Erkers, who leads the Existential Hope program at the Foresight Institute, dives into the intriguing AI Pathways project. She discusses two alternatives to the rush toward AGI: Tool AI, which emphasizes human oversight, and D/ACC, which focuses on decentralized, democratic development. The conversation highlights the trade-offs between safety and speed, the potential benefits of tool AI in areas like science and governance, and how different stakeholders can help shape these safer AI futures.

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INSIGHT

AI Pathways Open New Futures

The AI Pathways Project maps plausible alternatives to the current AGI race, not predictions.
It explores directions beyond simply accelerating or decelerating AI development.

INSIGHT

Tool AI Prioritizes Human Control

Tool AI emphasizes high intelligence while restricting autonomy and generality.
This reduces unknown systemic risks by keeping humans in control of decisions.

ANECDOTE

AlphaFold As A Tool AI Example

Beatrice uses AlphaFold as a concrete example of a powerful, narrow AI tool.
AlphaFold helps in medicine without being general or autonomous, fitting the tool AI model.

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