The real practical concern with AI is not superintelligent alignment but malevolent actors using AI systems (like engineered superviruses), a race-to-the-bottom dynamic where cutting corners on safety to get to AGI first could occur, and that most AI harms will only become apparent as we develop particular systems and applications—standard for any new technology.

causalpending

Speaker

Steven Pinker

Evidence Quote

the real issues of AI safety will be come apparent as we develop particular systems and particular applications... many of which probably can't be anticipated until they're actually built

Source

David Deutsch & Steven Pinker (First Ever Public Dialogue) — AGI, P(Doom), & The Enemies of ProgressJoseph Noel Walker
Created: 8/12/2026, 10:21:48 PM

My Notes

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