Artificial intelligence poses a unique challenge as countries compete to develop powerful AI systems. While caution is necessary, there is always the risk of an adversarial country gaining an advantage. This complexity applies to other risks as well, such as viral research. Even with a small chance of causing a deadly pandemic, over time, the cumulative possibilities increase dramatically. We need to consider the long-term implications of these risks.
Author and consultant Luca Dellanna talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the importance of avoiding ruin when facing risk. Along the way Dellanna makes understandable the arcane concept of ergodicity and shows the importance of avoiding ruin in every day life.