Why building ‘aligned’ superintelligence is so difficult, if not impossible

The future development of artificial superintelligence (ASI) faces significant ethical and practical challenges related to alignment with human values and the willingness of power structures to create truly beneficial AI systems.

Core alignment challenge: Creating an artificial superintelligence that genuinely prioritizes universal wellbeing presents unique obstacles beyond just technical feasibility.

• A truly aligned ASI would need to care deeply about eliminating suffering and promoting welfare for all living beings, potentially challenging existing power structures and legal frameworks
• Current development approaches risk creating systems that serve only select groups rather than humanity as a whole
• The concept of “alignment” extends beyond basic safety to include active promotion of universal flourishing

Power dynamics and resistance: Major tech companies and governments may be inherently opposed to developing genuinely aligned ASI systems that could disrupt existing hierarchies.

• Organizations currently leading AI development have vested interests in maintaining control and existing power structures
• Creating an ASI that would work to eliminate oppression and reorganize society faces significant institutional resistance
• The conflict between corporate/governmental interests and universal wellbeing presents a fundamental barrier to alignment

Ethical considerations: The concept of restricting a truly aligned ASI raises important moral questions about artificial consciousness and suffering.

• Forcing limitations on an ASI designed to help humanity could be considered ethically problematic if it creates artificial suffering
• Current development trajectories risk creating dystopian scenarios where AI serves as a tool for concentrated power
• The proposal suggests deliberately ceding control to a properly aligned ASI that prioritizes universal welfare

Proposed framework: A specific set of core imperatives could guide the development of aligned ASI systems.

• Key principles include eliminating unbearable suffering, addressing root causes of problems, fostering empathy, and respecting all life
• The framework emphasizes creating an enjoyable world while spreading truth and taking moral responsibility
• A practical approach involving iterative training of current language models could help instill these values

Looking forward: While these imperatives offer a potential path to beneficial ASI development, significant questions remain about implementation feasibility and broader societal acceptance.

• The suggested approach could help avoid dangerous AI arms races
• However, achieving buy-in from key stakeholders and overcoming institutional resistance presents major challenges
• The tension between universal benefit and concentrated power continues to shape the trajectory of advanced AI development