Also just finished a reread of Han's "In the Swarm." If you haven't started another book of his yet that would be the one I'd recommend to read next, as in some ways it picks up where 'The Burnout Society' left off.
Just picked up Karen Hao's "Empire of AI," which tells the Altman story and relates it to the AI quest overall. I'm only a couple chapters in and already it's getting scary. Hao is a journalist with an engineering degree from MIT who has been writing about AI/digital tech since 2018.
My quote is in two books: The Ethics of Rhetoric as well as Language is Sermonic. I recommend the latter if you want a taste of what Weaver has to offer in terms of rhetoric/language. They're both good.
I almost get the sense that AI developers like Altman are using "progress" for one of two reasons: either to keep the veil over what they're really pushing us towards—a world where AI dominates and controls all aspects of life and even demands our worship—or for its own sake. And while the latter is certainly bad, the former is far more frightening.
I think Altman and co. are motivated not only by the money but by the honor of doing good in the world. It is a win-win for them. They get to save the world and make lots of money at the same time.
Thus, the appeal to Progress, I think, is a genuine if not incredibly misguided one.
Yes, for sure!
Also just finished a reread of Han's "In the Swarm." If you haven't started another book of his yet that would be the one I'd recommend to read next, as in some ways it picks up where 'The Burnout Society' left off.
I will check it out. Thanks for the tip!
Just picked up Karen Hao's "Empire of AI," which tells the Altman story and relates it to the AI quest overall. I'm only a couple chapters in and already it's getting scary. Hao is a journalist with an engineering degree from MIT who has been writing about AI/digital tech since 2018.
I'm reading it now, too! I have been very impressed. I'm also only a couple chapters in. We should discuss at some point...
You just introduced me to Richard Weaver and I can't stop reading him, it's been 2 hours..
Thank you!
You bet. What are you reading of his?
I started on Ideas Have Consequences but I'm taking a break to read a biographical account on him for context.
Was your quote from The Ethics of Rhetoric?
My quote is in two books: The Ethics of Rhetoric as well as Language is Sermonic. I recommend the latter if you want a taste of what Weaver has to offer in terms of rhetoric/language. They're both good.
I almost get the sense that AI developers like Altman are using "progress" for one of two reasons: either to keep the veil over what they're really pushing us towards—a world where AI dominates and controls all aspects of life and even demands our worship—or for its own sake. And while the latter is certainly bad, the former is far more frightening.
I think Altman and co. are motivated not only by the money but by the honor of doing good in the world. It is a win-win for them. They get to save the world and make lots of money at the same time.
Thus, the appeal to Progress, I think, is a genuine if not incredibly misguided one.