No one looks at open problems in other fields this way.
Yes, the situation isn’t normal or good. But this isn’t a balanced comparison, since we don’t currently have a field, too few people understand the problem and had seriously thought about it. This gradually changes, and I expect will be visibly less of a problem in another 10 years.
I may have an incorrect impression, but SIAI or at least Eliezer’s department seems to have a self-image comparable to the Manhattan project rather than early pioneers of a scientific field.
I may have an incorrect impression, but SIAI or at least Eliezer’s department seems to have a self-image comparable to the Manhattan project
Eliezer has said: “I have a policy of keeping my thoughts on Friendly AI to the object level, and not worrying about how important or unimportant that makes me.” Your call as to whether you believe that. (The rest of that post, and some of his other posts in that discussion, address some points similar to those that you raised.)
That said, “self-image comparable to the Manhattan project” is an unusually generous ascription of humility to SIAI and Eliezer. :P
Yes, the situation isn’t normal or good. But this isn’t a balanced comparison, since we don’t currently have a field, too few people understand the problem and had seriously thought about it. This gradually changes, and I expect will be visibly less of a problem in another 10 years.
I may have an incorrect impression, but SIAI or at least Eliezer’s department seems to have a self-image comparable to the Manhattan project rather than early pioneers of a scientific field.
Eliezer’s past remarks seem to have pointed to a self-image comparable to the Manhatten project. However, according the new SIAI Overview:
They want to become comparable to the Manhattan project, in part by recruiting additional FAI researchers. They do not claim to be at that stage now.
Eliezer has said: “I have a policy of keeping my thoughts on Friendly AI to the object level, and not worrying about how important or unimportant that makes me.” Your call as to whether you believe that. (The rest of that post, and some of his other posts in that discussion, address some points similar to those that you raised.)
That said, “self-image comparable to the Manhattan project” is an unusually generous ascription of humility to SIAI and Eliezer. :P