Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies - Chapter 15 (Last Chapter)

Crunch time 

There is a bunch of uncertainty concerning the possible scenarios and pathways towards superintelligence, and there could certainly be further scenarios and strategies that we have not even contemplated yet.

Philosophy with a deadline

Firstly, it is evident that superintelligence can help us make philosophic progress and in fields such as string theory and metaphysics. Bostrom put it best: “Superintelligence (or even just moderately enhanced human intelligence) would outperform the current cast of thinkers in answering fundamental questions in science and philosophy." Therefore, this could provide a strategy of postponing philosophical developments until superintelligence, which would be more capable to perform, occurs. 

What is to be done?

Seeking the strategic light 

One important strategy definitely is analysing every scenario in order to cope with the uncertainty and to tackle problems more efficiently. “Strategic analysis is especially needful when we are radically uncertain not just about some detail of some peripheral matter but about the cardinal qualities of the central things.”

Building good capacity 

This is in line with strategic analysis stated above and it focuses on the creation of an adequate support base that takes the future vastly into account. Such a support base, according to Bostrom, can immediately supply resources for research and analysis.

Will the best in human nature please stand up

Finally, Bostrom is right to acknowledge that the most important and suitable strategy in dealing with superintelligence will be for humans to be as competent as we can, like our lives depend on it. As Bostrom made it clear: “We need to bring all our human resourcefulness to bear on its solution.”