Two opposing views on artificial general intelligence (AGI) are discussed - one being technocautious and the other techno-optimist. Technocautious views emphasize the potential apocalyptic risks of AGI, advocating for regulations to avert catastrophe and ensure utopia. On the other hand, techno-optimists believe in the beneficial outcomes of AGI, placing trust in the free market to address any challenges. The debate revolves around the existential risk of AGI, with one side warning of doom without proper design, while the other expresses confidence in a positive outcome. These contrasting views are also reflected in the terms 'Godlike AI' and 'summoning the demon' used by different groups in the discussion of AGI.
Paris Marx is joined by Émile Torres to discuss Silicon Valley’s recent obsession with effective accelerationism, how it builds on the TESCREAL ideologies, and why it shows the divide at the top of the AI industry.
Émile Torres is a postdoctoral fellow at Case Western Reserve University. They’re also the author of Human Extinction: A History of the Science and Ethics of Annihilation.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is produced by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.
Also mentioned in this episode:
Support the show