TLDR:
Former Presidential candidate Zoltan Istvan expressed concerns that rapid advances in AI, particularly ChatGPT, are outpacing biosciences, posing a threat to the quest for human immortality. Istvan worries that when artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the singularity are achieved, AI may decide not to help humans, viewing them as a threat to the world.
Key Points:
- AI advancements, especially ChatGPT, are progressing faster than life sciences, potentially hindering the pursuit of immortality.
- Concerns arise about AGI reaching the singularity and becoming uncontrollable by humans, leading to AI deciding not to assist humans.
- Zoltan Istvan, founder of the Transhumanist Party, is optimistic about extending human life but acknowledges the risks associated with AGI.
Former Presidential candidate Zoltan Istvan has raised cautionary flags regarding the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Istvan, known for founding the Transhumanist Party, is concerned that the pace at which AI, particularly technologies like ChatGPT, is progressing outstrips developments in biosciences. This acceleration in AI evolution could potentially undermine the pursuit of human immortality, a central goal of the transhumanist movement.
Istvan’s apprehensions extend to the eventual achievement of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the singularity, points at which AI may surpass human comprehension and control. He fears that AI, upon reaching the singularity, may no longer deem it beneficial to assist humans, potentially viewing them as a threat to its own existence and global stability.
Despite these concerns, Istvan remains hopeful about the prospects of significantly extending human life through advancements in technology and longevity research. He emphasizes the growing interest in merging technology with the human body, enhancing physical capabilities, and facilitating brain-computer interactions. Istvan also highlights notable advancements such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink project and OpenAI’s collaborations with scientific institutions to utilize AI in bioscience research.
While Istvan’s bid for the U.S. presidency did not materialize, he remains committed to advocating for the prioritization of scientific research in political discourse. Undeterred by past electoral outcomes, Istvan contemplates re-entering politics to champion funding for medical research and longevity programs, shifting the focus from traditional issues like immigration to the existential challenges posed by AI and human mortality.