I think LeCun has probably ignored the alignment problem (while saying he’s addressing it) not because of an intellectual oversight, but for emotional reasons.
LeCun’s dismissal of alignment as a serious issue seems to me to be a polarization issue. I’m guessing he dislikes the whole topic because he feels that the people who are pushing it might slow progress in AI.
I think his beliefs are sincere, but poorly thought through. I think they’re poorly thought through because he’s developed and ugh field around arguments for AI risk.
I don’t know exactly what LeCun’s feelings are, nor am I certain this is the largest part of his reasons for taking his hardline anti-risk stance. I think it’s important, though, because LeCun is the biggest name and loudest voice on that side of the discussion, and he is helping form the nucleus of a camp that is polarized against the AI safety issue. Engaging in the discussion in ways that avoid polarization is probably an important consideration.
To that end, if LeCun could actually be engaged in this discussion, that would be a big step toward preventing polarization.
I agree with everything you’ve said here.
I think LeCun has probably ignored the alignment problem (while saying he’s addressing it) not because of an intellectual oversight, but for emotional reasons.
LeCun’s dismissal of alignment as a serious issue seems to me to be a polarization issue. I’m guessing he dislikes the whole topic because he feels that the people who are pushing it might slow progress in AI.
I think his beliefs are sincere, but poorly thought through. I think they’re poorly thought through because he’s developed and ugh field around arguments for AI risk.
I don’t know exactly what LeCun’s feelings are, nor am I certain this is the largest part of his reasons for taking his hardline anti-risk stance. I think it’s important, though, because LeCun is the biggest name and loudest voice on that side of the discussion, and he is helping form the nucleus of a camp that is polarized against the AI safety issue. Engaging in the discussion in ways that avoid polarization is probably an important consideration.
To that end, if LeCun could actually be engaged in this discussion, that would be a big step toward preventing polarization.