I’m excited for this series! I’m a big believer in EAs doing more things out in the world, both for the direct impacts but probably even more for the information value.
For example, I’m thrilled that Longview is getting into nuclear security grantmaking. I think this is:
good in its own terms
will teach us more about how international relations, coordination, and treaties work, which seems essential to ensure AI and synthetic bio advances go well
gives us something concrete to point to that almost everyone can agree is valuable
(disclosure that I contract for Longview on something totally different and learned about this when everyone else did).
I think the sociology of EA will make us overly biased towards research and away from action, even when action would be more effective, in the near and long term. For example, I think there are major limitations to developing AI governance strategies in the absence of working with and talking to governments.
TBC, research is extremely important, and I’m glad the community is so focused on asking and answering important questions, but I’d be really happy to see more people “get after it” the way you have.
I’m excited for this series! I’m a big believer in EAs doing more things out in the world, both for the direct impacts but probably even more for the information value.
For example, I’m thrilled that Longview is getting into nuclear security grantmaking. I think this is:
good in its own terms
will teach us more about how international relations, coordination, and treaties work, which seems essential to ensure AI and synthetic bio advances go well
gives us something concrete to point to that almost everyone can agree is valuable
(disclosure that I contract for Longview on something totally different and learned about this when everyone else did).
I think the sociology of EA will make us overly biased towards research and away from action, even when action would be more effective, in the near and long term. For example, I think there are major limitations to developing AI governance strategies in the absence of working with and talking to governments.
TBC, research is extremely important, and I’m glad the community is so focused on asking and answering important questions, but I’d be really happy to see more people “get after it” the way you have.