I agree this is neglected and I think this largely comes down to the focus on x-risk and the deprioritization of s-risk work.
Also just flagging the opening of NYU’s Mind, Ethics, and Policy program this past fall, which focuses on digital sentience alongside other forms of sentience, e.g. invertebrates.
I agree that the reduction of s-risks is underprioritized, but it’s unclear whether the aim of reducing s-risks would render research into the nature of sentience a high priority; and there are even reasons to think that it could be harmful.
I’ve tried to outline what I see as some relevant considerations here.
I agree this is neglected and I think this largely comes down to the focus on x-risk and the deprioritization of s-risk work.
Also just flagging the opening of NYU’s Mind, Ethics, and Policy program this past fall, which focuses on digital sentience alongside other forms of sentience, e.g. invertebrates.
I agree that the reduction of s-risks is underprioritized, but it’s unclear whether the aim of reducing s-risks would render research into the nature of sentience a high priority; and there are even reasons to think that it could be harmful.
I’ve tried to outline what I see as some relevant considerations here.