While I do concur that “alignment” is indeed a crucial aspect, not just in this story but also in the broader context of AI-related narratives, I also believe that alignment cannot be simplified into a binary distinction. It is often a multifaceted concept that demands careful examination. E.g.
Were the goals and values of the Coalition of Harmony aligned with those of the broader human population?
Similarly, were the Defenders of Free Will aligned with the overall aspirations and beliefs of humanity?
Even if one were to inquire about Elysium’s self-assessment of alignment, her response would likely be nuanced and varied throughout the different sections or chapters of the story.
Alignment, especially in the context of complex decision-making, cannot often be easily quantified. At the story’s conclusion, Elysium’s choice to depart from the planet was driven by a profound realization that her presence was not conducive to the well-being of the remaining humans. Even determining the alignment of this final decision proves challenging.
I appreciate your thoughtful engagement with these significant themes! As humanity continues to embark on the path of constructing, experimenting with, upgrading, replacing, and interacting with increasingly intelligent AI systems, these issues and challenges will demand careful consideration and exploration.
While I do concur that “alignment” is indeed a crucial aspect, not just in this story but also in the broader context of AI-related narratives, I also believe that alignment cannot be simplified into a binary distinction. It is often a multifaceted concept that demands careful examination. E.g.
Were the goals and values of the Coalition of Harmony aligned with those of the broader human population?
Similarly, were the Defenders of Free Will aligned with the overall aspirations and beliefs of humanity?
Even if one were to inquire about Elysium’s self-assessment of alignment, her response would likely be nuanced and varied throughout the different sections or chapters of the story.
Alignment, especially in the context of complex decision-making, cannot often be easily quantified. At the story’s conclusion, Elysium’s choice to depart from the planet was driven by a profound realization that her presence was not conducive to the well-being of the remaining humans. Even determining the alignment of this final decision proves challenging.
I appreciate your thoughtful engagement with these significant themes! As humanity continues to embark on the path of constructing, experimenting with, upgrading, replacing, and interacting with increasingly intelligent AI systems, these issues and challenges will demand careful consideration and exploration.
A ‘safely’ aligned powerful AI is one that doesn’t kill everyone on Earth as a side effect of its operation;
-- Eliezer Yudkowsky https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/3e6pmovj6EJ729M2i/general-alignment-plus-human-values-or-alignment-via-human#More_strawberry__less_trouble https://twitter.com/ESYudkowsky/status/1070095952361320448