AI DEBATE: Runaway Superintelligence or Normal Technology? | Daniel Kokotajlo vs Arvind Narayanan

The Limitless Podcast

Two visions for the future of AI clash in this debate between Daniel Kokotajlo and Arvind Narayanan.

Is AI a revolutionary new species destined for runaway superintelligence, or just another step in humanity’s technological evolution—like electricity or the internet?

Daniel, a former OpenAI researcher and author of AI 2027, argues for a fast-approaching intelligence explosion. Arvind, a Princeton professor and co-author of AI Snake Oil, contends that AI is powerful but ultimately controllable and slow to reshape society. Moderated by Ryan and David, this conversation dives into the crux of capability vs. power, economic transformation, and the future of democratic agency in an AI-driven world.

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TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro
1:38 IS AI Normal Tech?
27:13 Capability & Power
39:48 Manageable or Existential?
47:32 AGI Milestone
55:28 AI by 2030
1:07:03 Making Sense
1:11:05 Closing & Disclaimers

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RESOURCES

Daniel Kokotajlo
https://x.com/dkokotajlo

Arvind Narayanan
https://x.com/random_walker

Two Paths For AI - Daniel
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/two-paths-for-ai

AI as Normal Technology - Arvind
https://knightcolumbia.org/content/ai-as-normal-technology

AI 2027 - Daniel
https://ai-2027.com/

AI Snake Oil - Arvind
https://www.aisnakeoil.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Snake-Oil-Artificial-Intelligence-Difference/dp/069124913X

Pause AI
https://pauseai.info/pdoom

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