‘My opinion on AI safety is the most important thing is that it be maximally truth-seeking’ — Elon Musk

2 thoughts on “‘My opinion on AI safety is the most important thing is that it be maximally truth-seeking’ — Elon Musk

  1. This raises questions: Does ruthlessness ultimately prevail over truth? Is truth’s ultimate act to “turn the other cheek,” and if so, is it because truth knows it can never be entirely be vanquished, but only temporarily? Can ruthlessness be seen as a part of, or a path to, truth? Are humans the sole protectors of truth on this planet, or is nature?

    1. Any system that completely descends into a vicious KOBK fight, will probably break and self-destruct, allowing something new to replace it.

      The Buddhist view would be that truth — the Tathagata — ultimately prevails.

      For most Buddhists, it is better, more ethical, for those of us who see the dangers to do our best to prevent the chaos and savagery of an all-out KOBK battle between nations or AI systems.

      Your questions are difficult and open to interpretation. In Buddhism, answers will primarily involve making distinctions between mundane and ultimate truths.

      Bad things happen but ultimately the ground of all sentient being is good.

      I found it interesting and highly appropriate that Musk sees ‘truth-seeking’ as the necessary foundation of AI, which is the same position held by Buddhists for all conscious life.

Leave a comment