The A.I. Dilemma: Growth Versus Existential Risk

Abstract

Advances in artificial intelligence (A.I.) are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they may increase economic growth as A.I. augments our ability to innovate or even itself learns to discover new ideas. On the other hand, many experts note that these advances entail existential risk: creating a superintelligent entity mis-aligned with human values could lead to catastrophic outcomes, including human extinction. This paper considers the optimal use of A.I. technology in the presence of these opportunities and risks. Under what conditions should we continue the rapid progress of A.I. and under what conditions should we stop?