New book “Uncontrollable” offers accessible take on complex AI safety risks

Darren McKee’s new book “Uncontrollable” offers a nuanced and balanced take on artificial intelligence risk. Here’s what makes it a worthwhile read for both experts and newcomers alike.

Key Details: The book, subtitled “The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence and the Race to Save the World,” has prompted fresh analysis of foundational AI safety concepts including Asimov’s Laws.

• McCluskey indicates that reading the book led him to reconsider his perspectives on established AI safety frameworks in light of recent AI capability developments
• A more comprehensive review of the book has been published separately by McCluskey
• The book appears to be particularly valuable for readers who are new to concepts of AI risk and safety

Notable Context: Asimov’s Laws of Robotics, referenced in McCluskey’s commentary, were first introduced by science fiction author Isaac Asimov in 1942 and have long served as a theoretical framework for discussing AI safety and ethics.

• These laws represent one of the earliest attempts to codify principles for safe artificial intelligence
• The modern AI landscape has evolved significantly beyond what Asimov originally envisioned
• Recent advances in AI capabilities have necessitated new approaches to AI safety

Looking Forward: While this brief recommendation suggests the book offers valuable insights for AI safety discussions, the impact of McKee’s analysis on broader AI risk mitigation efforts remains to be seen. The intersection of theoretical frameworks like Asimov’s Laws with current AI development continues to be a critical area for exploration as the field advances.