I downvoted this because of the skepticism of academic rigor and the weakness of the quantum physics analogy.
Quantum physics is a paradigmatic example of a major theoretical advance developed by academics and accepted by academics after rigorous testing. The reason why these standards were applied is that there were (and still are) any number of theories in fundamental physics which turn out to be false, and it is important to use reasons and evidence to determine whether they are true.
I am happy to see academics within the nascent AI safety space working towards more traditional and rigorous academic standards. These standards exist for a good reason and I have every expectation that they will continue to serve us well.
The method in the case of quantum physics was to meet their extraordinary claims with extraordinary evidence. Einstein did not resist the findings of quantum mechanics, only their interpretations, holding out hope that he could make a hidden variable theory work. Quantum mechanics become accepted because they were able to back up their theories with experimental data that could be explained in no other way.
Like a good scientist, I’m willing to follow logic and evidence to their logical conclusions. But when I actually look at the “logic” that is being used to justify doomerist conclusions, it always seems incredibly weak (and I have looked, extensively). I think people are rejecting your arguments not because you are a rogue outsider, but because they don’t think your arguments are very good.
I downvoted this because of the skepticism of academic rigor and the weakness of the quantum physics analogy.
Quantum physics is a paradigmatic example of a major theoretical advance developed by academics and accepted by academics after rigorous testing. The reason why these standards were applied is that there were (and still are) any number of theories in fundamental physics which turn out to be false, and it is important to use reasons and evidence to determine whether they are true.
I am happy to see academics within the nascent AI safety space working towards more traditional and rigorous academic standards. These standards exist for a good reason and I have every expectation that they will continue to serve us well.
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The method in the case of quantum physics was to meet their extraordinary claims with extraordinary evidence. Einstein did not resist the findings of quantum mechanics, only their interpretations, holding out hope that he could make a hidden variable theory work. Quantum mechanics become accepted because they were able to back up their theories with experimental data that could be explained in no other way.
Like a good scientist, I’m willing to follow logic and evidence to their logical conclusions. But when I actually look at the “logic” that is being used to justify doomerist conclusions, it always seems incredibly weak (and I have looked, extensively). I think people are rejecting your arguments not because you are a rogue outsider, but because they don’t think your arguments are very good.
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