[MURG] AI as R&D for MU (was: uploading IP)

[Randal A. Koene]

Hi YKY,

On Fri, 12 Mar 2004, Yan King Yin wrote:

> Precisely, and my stong conviction is that AI will remain a
> tool. Creating a tool to become our master is simply not
> human nature. If you understand this point then the future

I understand that your position is very desirable. It would be great if we
could guarantee this and use the tools without worry. Unfortunately, your
statement does not reflect the true facts as evidenced by current
projects: Yes, some humans apparently do wish to create AI to become their
master. For proof, all you need to do is to look at the "friendly" AI
masters proposed by Eliezer S. Yudkowsky and his fellows at
http://singinst.org/.
Note that they have received quite some critique, as evidenced here:
http://www.ssec.wisc.edu/~billh/g/SIAI_critique.html

So, we don't need to bother guessing what is in human nature. We know that
there are those out there who seek to create AI masters.
All we have to consider is how likely it is that our mind uploading
project would survive if the AI comes along first. And if it is not
likely, then we have to consider how to get our project done before the AI
gets there.

Cheers,
       Randal