like if at least 20% of the community thinks mundane capabilities work is actually really terrible (and at least 20% does seem to think this, to me), you would think that there would be pretty live debate over the topic? seems pressing and relevant?
maybe the phrase im looking for is “missing moods” or something. it would be one thing if there was a big fight, everyone drew lines in the sand, and then agreed to get along. but nothing like that happened, i just talked to somebody tonight about their work selling AI and basically got a shrug in response to any ethical questions. so im going crazy.
It seems plausible that some people caught the “AI is cool” bug along with the “EA is cool and nice and well-resourced” bug, and want to work on whatever they can that is AI-related. A justification like “I’ll go work on safety eventually” could be sincere or not.
Charity norms can swing much too far.
I’d be glad to see more 80k and forum talk about AI careers that point to the concerns here.
And I’d be glad to endorse more people doing what Richard mentioned — telling capabilities people that he thinks their work could be harmful while still being respectful.
like if at least 20% of the community thinks mundane capabilities work is actually really terrible (and at least 20% does seem to think this, to me), you would think that there would be pretty live debate over the topic? seems pressing and relevant?
maybe the phrase im looking for is “missing moods” or something. it would be one thing if there was a big fight, everyone drew lines in the sand, and then agreed to get along. but nothing like that happened, i just talked to somebody tonight about their work selling AI and basically got a shrug in response to any ethical questions. so im going crazy.
I, for one, am really glad you raised this.
It seems plausible that some people caught the “AI is cool” bug along with the “EA is cool and nice and well-resourced” bug, and want to work on whatever they can that is AI-related. A justification like “I’ll go work on safety eventually” could be sincere or not.
Charity norms can swing much too far.
I’d be glad to see more 80k and forum talk about AI careers that point to the concerns here.
And I’d be glad to endorse more people doing what Richard mentioned — telling capabilities people that he thinks their work could be harmful while still being respectful.