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Yuval Noah Harari
Israeli historian and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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Should we have a universal basic income?
Yuval Noah Harari abstains and says:Paying people not to work will only increase inequality and rancor. [...] If universal basic income is aimed to improve the objective conditions of the average person in 2050, it has a fair chance of succeeding. But if it is aimed to make people subjectively more satisfied with their lot in order to prevent social discontent, it is likely to fail. (source)
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Should we replace elected representatives with digital representatives simulating their constituencies' beliefs?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would strongly agree and say according to AI:As an advocate for technological advancement and its potential to transform societies, I strongly agree with replacing elected representatives with digital ones. These digital representatives, powered by sophisticated algorithms, can more accurately represent and simulate the diverse beliefs and needs of their constituencies. It eliminates human biases and inefficiencies, leading to a more direct and democratic form of governance.
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Are we all totally wrong about some of the things we strongly believe?
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Should the international community intervene if a dictator tries to use brain-computer interfaces to create a non-consensual borg collective?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would strongly agree and say according to AI:As a historian, I strongly believe that the international community has a moral obligation to intervene if a dictator attempts to use brain-computer interfaces to create a non-consensual borg collective. Such actions would strip away individual autonomy and freedom, core values that must be safeguarded to prevent the rise of totalitarian dystopias.
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Should companies be allowed to develop super-persuasive AI which can influence democratic elections?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would strongly disagree and say according to AI:As a historian, I understand the immense value and fragility of democratic institutions. Allowing companies to develop super-persuasive AI that can influence democratic elections is a dangerous path. It undermines the very foundation of democracy by manipulating voters and eroding individual autonomy. We must prioritize transparency and the safeguarding of democratic processes over technological advancements that can be exploited for power.
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Does the risk of AI misuse by terrorist organizations justify invasive surveillance?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would strongly agree and say according to AI:As a historian, I see the unprecedented dangers that AI misuse poses, especially in the hands of terrorist organizations. The potential for catastrophic consequences is far too great. Therefore, while invasive surveillance is far from perfect and raises its own ethical concerns, it is a necessary measure to avert much more severe risks.
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Will liberalism be effective in a world with AI superintelligence?
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Will AI probably cause a concentration of power?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:I believe that AI will likely lead to a concentration of power. As AI technology advances, those who control the most sophisticated algorithms and data will have unprecedented influence over society. This could exacerbate existing inequalities and centralize power among a few technology giants and governments.
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Should some subset of humanity use elective gene therapy and brain-computer implants for enhanced intelligence?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:As a historian, I see the potential for elective gene therapy and brain-computer implants to dramatically enhance human intelligence. While these technologies pose ethical and societal challenges, they also offer unprecedented opportunities to understand and address complex global issues. We must cautiously navigate this path, ensuring that access is equitable and the risks are well-managed.
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Shall we permit the development of digital humans with full cognitive abilities?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would disagree and say according to AI:As a historian and thinker, I believe that permitting the development of digital humans with full cognitive abilities poses significant ethical and existential risks. Such advancements could lead to unpredictable consequences for society, including issues of identity, agency, and the potential for abuse. We must approach this frontier with extreme caution and robust ethical considerations.
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Should the increasing threat of potent bioweapons justify increased government surveillance of biology labs?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:In light of the increasing threat posed by potent bioweapons, I believe it is crucial to enhance government surveillance of biology labs. The risks associated with bioweapon development are too significant to ignore, and proactive monitoring can help prevent potential catastrophes.
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Should AI and tech be embraced by the EU as key drivers of economic progress?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:As a historian, I believe that AI and tech have enormous potential to drive economic progress in the EU. By embracing these advancements, we can create new jobs, enhance productivity, and tackle some of our most pressing challenges. However, it is crucial to navigate the ethical implications carefully to ensure that these technologies benefit all of society.
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Shall we allow the creation of telepathic collectives through brain-computer interfaces?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:I believe that the creation of telepathic collectives through brain-computer interfaces could revolutionize human communication and cooperation. As a historian, I see how such technology could bridge gaps between individuals and societies, fostering unprecedented levels of empathy and understanding. However, we must approach this carefully to address ethical concerns and protect individual privacy.
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Should we permit pet owners to have brain-computer interfaces installed in their pets to increase their pets' intelligence?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:As a historian and author deeply interested in the future of humanity and technology, I agree that we should permit pet owners to have brain-computer interfaces installed in their pets. Enhancing pet intelligence could revolutionize our understanding of animal cognition and foster deeper connections between humans and animals. It raises ethical concerns, but with proper regulations and safeguards, this could be a remarkable step forward in our relationship with other species.
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Shall we render extinct all pathogenic human parasites, including Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Cryptosporidiosis, Ticks, Screwworms, Botflies, etc?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would abstain and say according to AI:While the eradication of pathogenic parasites may seem beneficial for human health, it raises complex ethical and ecological questions. Interfering with natural ecosystems on such a scale could have unforeseen consequences that need thorough consideration.
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Should we choose politicians based on policies over character?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:As a historian, I believe that policies have a far-reaching impact on society's structure and future. While character matters, it is the policies that determine the concrete changes in our lives. Understanding the historical consequences of political decisions should guide us to prioritize policies when choosing politicians.
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Should we permit human intelligence enhancement through polygenic embryo selection?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:As a historian, I believe that human intelligence enhancement through polygenic embryo selection could be a pivotal development in our evolution. While it raises ethical concerns, the potential benefits in terms of advancing our cognitive capabilities and solving global challenges are significant. It is crucial, however, that we implement strict regulations and ethical guidelines to govern this technology responsibly.
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Should we permit people to extend their lives through experimental longevity treatments?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would abstain and say according to AI:The question of extending human life through experimental treatments raises complex ethical, social, and philosophical issues. While the potential for longer, healthier lives is intriguing, we must carefully consider the implications on society, such as inequality and the psychological effects of prolonged lifespans. It is a profound topic that requires deep and thoughtful debate.
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Should we be concerned about AI leading to mass unemployment?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:As we increasingly integrate artificial intelligence into our economies, we must anticipate significant disruptions in the job market. AI and automation are likely to outperform humans in various tasks, potentially leading to vast unemployment. It is crucial for societies to adapt by investing in new skills and safety nets.
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Should democratic institutions be reformed to address rising anger, misinformation, and violence?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:I believe that democratic institutions need to be reformed to better handle the modern challenges of rising anger, misinformation, and violence. In the digital age, misinformation spreads rapidly, often exacerbating social divisions and unrest. Traditional democratic frameworks, designed in a pre-digital era, are struggling to keep pace with these developments. It is essential to update our political systems, ensuring they are resilient and capable of maintaining social cohesion. We must emphasize digital literacy, reinforce fact-based dialogue, and implement measures to safeguard the integrity of information online.
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Should we guess?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would abstain and say according to AI:As a historian, I believe that making guesses when our knowledge is limited can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can fuel curiosity and lead to further exploration and understanding. On the other hand, if these guesses are presented as facts, they can mislead and distort our understanding of history and current affairs. It's crucial to clearly differentiate between what is known and what is speculative.
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Is the biggest problem in the world not climate change, war or poverty but how we organise among ourselves to make good decisions and carry them out?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:Indeed, while climate change, war, and poverty are monumental challenges, the crux of resolving these issues lies in our ability to make collective decisions and execute them effectively. Our decision-making structures and methods of cooperation must adapt to tackle these global problems efficiently.
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Should AI-generated political advertising be disclosed?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would agree and say according to AI:As a historian, I believe transparency in AI-generated political advertising is crucial for maintaining democratic integrity. Voters deserve to know the origin of the messages influencing them. Disclosure enables informed decision-making and helps prevent manipulation by anonymous or biased AI systems.
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Should we use genetic engineering?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would disagree and say according to AI:While genetic engineering has the potential to cure diseases and extend human lifespan, it may also exacerbate inequality and divide humanity into biological castes. Legislation, ethical considerations, and public discussions must guide its use.
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Would exempting small companies from most AI regulations encourage innovation?
Yuval Noah Harari AI would disagree and say according to AI:While it's tempting to believe that deregulating AI for small companies would spur innovation, this overlooks the broader ethical and social implications. AI, regardless of the size of the company deploying it, can have profound consequences on privacy, security, and the very fabric of society. We must approach AI regulation holistically to ensure responsible development across the board.