The case for Singularity Activism

New AI systems released in 2023 demonstrate remarkable properties that have taken most observers by surprise. The potential both for positive AI outcomes and negative AI outcomes seems to have been accelerated. This leads to five responses:

1.) "Yawn" - AI has been overhyped before, and is being overhyped again now. Let's keep our attention on more tangible issues

2.) "Full speed ahead with more capabilities" - Let's get to the wonderful positive outcomes of AI as soon as possible, sidestepping those small-minded would-be regulators who would stifle all the innovation out of the industry

3.) "Accelerate sensible safety research" - The risks from AI are real, and more resources need to be channelled in that direction as soon as possible

4.) "Pause huge AI experiments" - As urged by an open letter from the Future of Life Institute, work on training larger language systems needs to pause for six months whilst better frameworks and guiderails for future research and development are explored

5.) "Enforce a halt on AI capabilities research" - a six-month pause in selected AI research is insufficient. Without realising it, we are rushing headlong in a suicide-race. More drastic enforcement measures are needed.

This London Futurists event will enable an open conversation of the merits of these options - as well as others that are raised. It will start with a presentation by David Wood, Chair of London Futurists.

== Meeting logistics ==

2pm-4pm, Sat 29th April 2023.

Venue: Room B18, Birkbeck College, Torrington Square WC1E 7HX, London.

Room B18 is on the basement level in the main Birkbeck College building, in Torrington Square (which is a pedestrian-only square). Torrington Square is about 10 minutes walk from either Russell Square or Goodge St tube stations.

Note: this event will not be hybrid: there are no plans to livestream it.

== Wifi access ==

Wireless network: BBK-Guest
Username: Saturday29
Password: a47KPT

(The username and password are case sensitive. In practise, it seems this wifi system often needs 2-3 attempts to make a successful connection.)

== Background material worth checking ahead of the event ==

See recent episodes of the London Futurists Podcast.

The FLI letter "pause giant AI experiments" is here.

== Covering meeting costs ==

A small fee (£10) is payable to attend this meetup. This fee covers room hire costs. Please pay in advance, online, after you RSVP.

(NB you don't need a PayPal account to use the PayPal interface.)

Alternatively, if there are still seats available, payment of £10 in that case can be made in cash at the event on the day. (Requesting payment in advance assists with accurate planning of the event.)

Journalists are welcome to attend the meeting free-of-charge - please contact the organiser in advance.

== After meeting ==

The event will be followed by a chance to continue and extend the discussion in a nearby pub - the Marlborough Arms in Torrington Place, where a variety of drinks and food options will be available.

To help confirm arrangements with the Marlborough Arms, kindly indicate in this separate meetup page if you are likely to attend that gathering.