Anders Sandberg - Blooming the Space of Intelligence and Value (Worthy Successor Series, Episode 3)
Aug 23, 2024
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Anders Sandberg, a Computational Neuroscience PhD and researcher at the Mimir Center for Long-Term Futures Research, dives into the exciting realms of artificial general intelligence and future value. He explores who holds power in AGI development and the potential directions for humanity's posthuman future. The conversation also navigates ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, societal evolution, and the intricate relationship between complex ecosystems and moral responsibilities. It's a thought-provoking journey into the future of intelligence and governance.
Anders Sandberg emphasizes the importance of fostering a diverse spectrum of intelligences as worthy successors to enhance creativity and complexity.
The discussion highlights that effective governance for emerging intelligences must balance regulatory measures with the flexibility needed for innovation and adaptation.
Sandberg advocates for nurturing collaborative connections between humans and post-human intelligences to enrich experiences and promote a thriving ecosystem.
Deep dives
Concept of a Worthy Successor
A worthy successor is described as an entity that would embody and promote the continual expansion of value throughout the universe. This encompasses not just the survival of human-centric values but the development of diverse forms of life and intelligence. The idea suggests that instead of striving for a singular superintelligent being, a spectrum of different successors would better contribute to the flourishing of complexity and creativity across various environments. Such successors would harness a multitude of perspectives and innovations, acting as catalysts for a vibrant ecosystem of existence.
Exploration of Complexity and Value
The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding and measuring complexity within ecological and technological systems. It questions the reasons behind valuing complexity itself, suggesting that a simplistic hedonistic approach may overlook more profound, emergent qualities of existence. It is argued that the environment of value extends beyond pleasure to include a broader range of experiences and complexities that could emerge from advanced forms of intelligence. By valuing an expansive view of complexity, we can better appreciate the advantages that diversity brings to both the planet and potential successor systems.
New Forms of Value
Anders Sandberg highlights the need to consider values that transcend current human perspectives and experiences. He points out that as intelligence evolves, new forms of value might emerge that are beyond human understanding, much like how humans experience pleasure and meaning differently than other animal species. The conversation draws attention to the limitations of our current frameworks for defining these new values, urging exploration into realms that could lead to richer, more varied experiences of existence. This calls for an open-minded approach toward future iterations of intelligence that may discover and prioritize values we cannot yet conceive.
Coordination and Governance Challenges
The complexity of governance in relation to emerging intelligences is stressed, especially regarding how to ensure that these systems embody and uphold a continuum of value. Effective governance should facilitate coordination among diverse agents while maintaining openness, ensuring that beneficial innovations can flourish without being suffocated by overly rigid structures. Sandberg suggests that a balance needs to be struck between regulatory measures and the flexibility required for exploration and growth. Highlighting historical examples, he argues that understanding how systems have evolved and adapted can guide the development of new frameworks for governing future intelligences.
Openness and Experimentation
Emphasizing the need for openness, Sandberg argues that successful coordination among various entities cannot occur in closed systems. Openness allows for the monitoring and adaptation of values and priorities, enabling a dynamic interaction between different agents and their environments. The discussion advocates for an experimental approach where policies and innovations can be tested and adapted based on feedback from the real world, facilitating continuous improvement. This position underlines that both governance and innovation must prioritize adaptability to thrive in the face of uncertainties inherent in complex systems.
The Future of Collaboration
Looking toward the future, the conversation hints at the importance of cultivating a collaborative core among humans and post-human intelligences. This would involve nurturing social connections and shared values that promote a flourishing ecosystem of diverse intelligences and capabilities. Sandberg stresses that by ensuring these connections, future societies can maintain a degree of influence and engagement that enriches human experiences while facilitating the growth of a worthy successor. Such collaboration could ultimately define the quality of life and experience in an increasingly technologically driven world.
This week, Anders Sandberg, Computational Neuroscience PhD, Researcher at the Mimir Center for Long-Term Futures Research.
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This is the second installment of The Worthy Successor series - where we unpack the preferable and non-preferable futures humanity might strive towards in the years ahead.
This episode referred to the following other essays and resources: -- A Worthy Successor - The Purpose of AGI: https://danfaggella.com/worthy
