Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control by Stuart Russell

Description

Stuart Russell, in his book “Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control” (2019), argues that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) must fundamentally shift from creating systems that are solely focused on achieving predefined objectives to developing AI that inherently understands and aligns with human values. Russell contends that this value alignment is crucial for ensuring that AI systems act in the best interests of humanity, especially as they grow in intelligence and capability. He supports his argument by outlining the potential risks associated with superintelligent AI, proposing three principles for safe AI (including the machine’s objective to maximize human preferences, its initial uncertainty about what those preferences are, and the reliance on human behavior as a source of information about human preferences), and advocating for a new model of AI development focused on provable benefits to humans. Russell’s purpose is to prompt researchers, developers, and policymakers to reconsider current AI development paradigms, aiming to foster a future where AI enhances human life without posing existential risks, thereby addressing both ethical and practical challenges in the field. He adopts a concerned yet optimistic tone, intending to engage a broad audience of AI professionals, ethicists, and the general public in a critical dialogue about the future of AI and its compatibility with human values.