Pretty wild discussion in this podcast about how aggressively the USSR cut corners on safety in their space program in order to stay ahead of the US. In the author’s telling of the history, this was in large part because Khrushchev wanted to rack up as many “firsts” (e.g., first satellite, first woman in space) as possible. This seems like it was most proximately for prestige and propaganda rather than any immediate strategic or technological benefit (though of course the space program did eventually produce such bigger benefits).
Evidence of the following claim for AI: people may not need a reason to cut corners on safety because the material benefits are so high. They may do so just because of the prestige and glory of being first.
I’d find anecdotes about cutting corners in bioweapons or nuclear (both weapons development and power) more convincing, partially because it’s more directly analogous and partially because I don’t think Khrushchev is completely heartless.
Example: They crammed three cosmonauts into a capsule initially designed for one person. But due to the size constraints, the cosmonauts couldn’t wear proper spacesuits; they had to wear leisure suits!
Pretty wild discussion in this podcast about how aggressively the USSR cut corners on safety in their space program in order to stay ahead of the US. In the author’s telling of the history, this was in large part because Khrushchev wanted to rack up as many “firsts” (e.g., first satellite, first woman in space) as possible. This seems like it was most proximately for prestige and propaganda rather than any immediate strategic or technological benefit (though of course the space program did eventually produce such bigger benefits).
Evidence of the following claim for AI: people may not need a reason to cut corners on safety because the material benefits are so high. They may do so just because of the prestige and glory of being first.
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/chatter—the-harrowing-history-of-the-soviet-space-program-with-john-strausbaugh
Though the costs are also low, from the perspective of Khrushchev. (A few cosmonauts’ lives is presumably not that important to him)
Yeah fair, should have considered that more duh
I’m glad I was helpful! :P
I’d find anecdotes about cutting corners in bioweapons or nuclear (both weapons development and power) more convincing, partially because it’s more directly analogous and partially because I don’t think Khrushchev is completely heartless.
Example: They crammed three cosmonauts into a capsule initially designed for one person. But due to the size constraints, the cosmonauts couldn’t wear proper spacesuits; they had to wear leisure suits!