AI Among Us: Altman’s Persuasive Paper on Decelerating AI and the Future of Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

As tech developers take swift steps forward in accelerating the growth of artificial general intelligence, the question arises: Are we creating a tool or a rival? AGI (artificial general intelligence) is a form of AI that is capable of completing every task, digitally, a human can. The potential of AGI has stirred conversations among the general public, economists, politicians, philosophers and technological experts on its capabilities and consequences for society. Sam Altman is a well-known developer in the tech community and famously the co-founder of ChatGPT. In Sam Altman’s paper titled “AGI and Beyond” written on February 24th, 2023 he offers a realistic perspective on what AGI means for humanity’s short and long term future as well as how developers should make advancements at a decelerated rate. Sam Altman’s paper on artificial intelligence effectively convinces critical thinkers to embrace AGI progress, albeit through deceleration, through its well thought out logical arguments, emotionally resonant language, and the author’s proven credibility as a fair thinker. 

One of the elements that makes Altman’s paper convincing is his capability to use concise logical arguments. For example, in his article he highlights that AI developers should make progress while airing on the side of caution, “It’s important that the ratio of safety progress to capability progress increases” (Altman 1). Altman emphasizes the need for a balance of safety and acceleration which appeals to reason. This quote resonates with critical thinkers who understand the value of both “safety” and “capability”. Furthermore, Altman says, “A gradual transition gives people, policymakers, and institutions time to understand what’s happening [with AGI], personally experience the benefits and downsides of these systems, adapt our economy and put regulation in place” (Altman 2). Simply put, Altman has a slow approach to AGI development because he wants society to have a chance to adapt in the right ways. An example of why this is so important is embedded in the very foundation of this paper. One foundational rule of this assignment is that AI text is not allowed. This is the case for more and more teachers who are having trouble with students using AI to generate texts instead of using their own words. However, because of ChatGPT’s slow development of AI, AI checkers have been made to help teachers and students keep their work original and human. Therefore, ChatGPT’s slower approach has ensured that downsides, such as students using AI, are managed.

Sam Altman’s language is not only convincing in a logical sense, but also taps into the human heart by making his arguments appeal to critical thinkers’ emotions. For instance, Altman says, “We believe in empowering individuals to make their own decisions and the inherent power of the diversity of ideas” (Altman 2). The words, “empowering” and “power,” are similarly derived from the Latin word “potere,” which means “to be able” or “to have power.” Altman aims to make people feel as if the future of AGI is in their hands, not just his. Having a developer that is able to remove personal gain from AGI and turn towards responsibility to society is critical. Furthermore, these two well-chosen words, “empowering individuals” gives the reader a sense of ownership over themself and their reality. The expert, “the inert power of the diversity of ideas,” acknowledges the different perspectives people have and helps the reader feel part of a community is better off because of these differences. This quote, “We believe in empowering individuals to make their own decisions and the inherent power of the diversity of ideas.” emotionally connects the reader not just to Altman himself, but also to a community that has power, freedom, and unity. 

While Altman effectively appeals to emotions that are positively connoted, such as unity, he also appeals to negatively perceived emotions like fear. The phrase, “A misaligned super intelligent AGI could cause grievous harm to the world,”(Altman 4) booms with emotionally charged language. The word “misaligned” pulls on readers’ sense of fear and opens up space for worries about AI operating outside the accepted moral behaviors of humans. An unknown future where AI acts in ways “misaligned” with human values is dangerous. Altman also affirms that “grievous harm” could come from  “misalignment”. This word choice is meant to persuade critical thinkers that the dangers of AI are not small; instead they are potentially catastrophic “to the world”. Words like “misaligned” and “grievous harm” are dramatic and help present his idea: to take advancements in AGI at a decelerated pace.

Sam Altman’s credibility as a fair thinker is established through his response to potential risks in AGI development. As seen in the quote, “As our systems get closer to AGI, we are becoming increasingly cautious with creation and deployment of our models. Our decisions require much more caution than society usually applies to new technologies, ” (Altman 2) Altman builds on his credibility by establishing the true breadth of his understanding in the dangers of AGI and beyond. He grasps the notion that being a tech leader in the “creation” and “deployment” of AGI requires a responsibility to society, not to oneself.  He tangos with the ideology of developing at a pace where humans can adapt to what they've created.. The ability to plan and adjust to new outcomes heightens Altman’s credibility as a critical thinker. 

Some argue that China’s growing strength in AI is reason enough to accelerate our speed of AI advancements. While global competition is important, jetting forward in AI advancements without any precautions could put citizens of the United States and the globe at risk. The face off between China and America, if not decelerated, may have unintended threats to security, opportunities for terrorist groups, and the possible creation of a super-intelligent rival to our species. Responsible and well paced development of AI, rather than speed based, will lead to sustainable and less harmful outcomes. The tortoise beats the hare. To achieve lasting societal and economic profit Altman’s careful, responsible, and thorough approach to AI advancement is vital. 

As an academic community, where success is achieved through dreaming, learning and achieving, we should recognize that Altman's rhetoric is convincing. Through Altman's precise and logic based arguments, emotional depth, and clear thinking his viewpoint on AI and beyond is valid. Moving forward, we will see a new world born out of AI. According to Goldman Sachs, AI could “replace 300 million jobs globally.” However, as seen by the internet boom, shifts in skill requirements, and the potential for new kinds of employment will emerge. As we see AGI advancements should move forward as Altman would with continued thoughtful research and preparation to navigate the future with AGI among us.

Works Cited 

Altman, Sam. “Planning for AGI and Beyond.” OpenAI, 24 Feb. 2023, www.openai.com/index/planning-for-agi-and-beyond.