Mapping Potential AI Scenarios That Could End Humanity
A Taxonomy of Omnicidal Futures Involving Artificial Intelligence
Andrew Critch and Jacob Tsimerman present a detailed taxonomy of scenarios where artificial intelligence could lead to the extinction of all or almost all humans. These possibilities are not framed as inevitable outcomes but as risks we can actively work to prevent. By publicly outlining these omnicidal futures, the authors aim to build the public support necessary for large institutions to implement effective preventive measures against catastrophic AI risks.
These events are not presented as inevitable, but as possibilities that we can work to avoid.
- le-mark
I recently read Kurt Vonnegut “Player Piano”, a novel that addresses automation taking over the economy. It’s not explicitly AI but addresses the same issues. Published in 1952, it was Vonneguts first novel and a real product of the post war era.[1]
Another interesting read that addresses these themes is “Manna – Two Views of Humanity’s Future” by Marshal Brain [2]
[1] https://antilogicalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/player...
- estebarb
I don't understand why almost always the AI doomerism needs to give embodiment the AI. Real life is not a movie needing visual effects.
AI doesn't need a body of itself to became dangerous. A politician could get into ChatGPT induced psychosis, that doesn't require a physical body, and it could happen now or even 3 years ago... I'm sure it has already happen...
Other pointed risks are interesting because they are basically the risk of empires loosing their tributary states. The world has always seen war mongering states trying to preserve their abusive advantages, humans doesn't need AI for that.
Overall, I would be far more concerned about some really dangerous humans than AI itself.
- darquomiahw
Or you can read the summarized version every one of these articles:
- aesbetic
Congratulations to Jacob Tsimerman for winning the Fields Medal!
- RugnirViking
These scenarios aren't that great, and it's not even close to exhaustive. Doesn't even include paperclip maximisation