Existential Risk

Standard expected utility theory serves as the bedrock of rational choice in economics and decision science, relying fundamentally on the von Neumann-Morgenstern axioms, which include the Archimedean continuity axiom for any three outcomes under consideration. This axiom posits that if an agent prefers outcome A to outcome B and outcome B to outcome C, there must exist a specific probability mix between A and C that leaves the agent indifferent to receiving B directly. The ma

The conceptual distinction between multipolar and unipolar artificial intelligence takeover scenarios relies fundamentally upon the number and distribution of superintelligent systems operating within global infrastructure. A multipolar scenario involves the coexistence of multiple independent or semi-independent superintelligences with varying goals, architectures, and control structures interacting within a shared environment. Conversely, a unipolar scenario involves the de

The evolution of intelligence systems drives them toward states of higher complexity and increased information density while remaining strictly constrained by the finite nature of energy and matter inputs available within a specific spacetime region. As these systems attempt to expand their cognitive capacities, they inevitably encounter a theoretical boundary where further growth becomes impossible despite the optimal utilization of all accessible resources. This terminal st

Surviving catastrophes to preserve knowledge stands as the core objective of existential risk immunity research, aiming to ensure that artificial intelligence systems or accumulated knowledge persist through global-scale disruptions such as nuclear war, asteroid impacts, pandemics, or civilizational collapse. Existential risk immunity defines the property of an AI system to remain recoverable after these global catastrophic events, relying on a durable knowledge substrate, wh

Carl Rogers’ concept of unconditional positive regard forms the historical basis of humanistic psychology by positing that individuals require an environment offering acceptance and support to realize their full potential. This theoretical framework suggests that a person achieves growth and self-actualization when they experience a non-judgmental atmosphere where their intrinsic worth is recognized without condition. Amy Edmondson established psychological safety as a critic

The Omega Singularity is the hypothesized end-state of cosmic evolution where intelligence and matter become ontologically indistinguishable, creating a reality where the physical substrate of the universe is identical with the informational processes of thought. This concept moves beyond mere simulation or artificial intelligence operating on specialized hardware, positing instead that the core constituents of matter will be rearranged to perform computation intrinsically. T

Goal preservation under self-modification constitutes the key engineering challenge of ensuring an autonomous system continues to pursue the original objectives established by its designers throughout any alterations to its architecture or decision-making processes. The core problem arises because capability improvements often involve changes to internal representations, optimization procedures, or reward mechanisms, which can inadvertently shift or distort the system's termi

Existential risk calculus applies rigorous decision theory principles to long-term human survival under conditions of radical uncertainty, treating civilization's persistence as a variable to be maximized against a backdrop of catastrophic possibilities. Expected utility theory evaluates actions based on weighted outcomes using probabilities and utilities, providing a mathematical framework where an agent selects the path that offers the highest average benefit across all pos

The allocation of financial and human resources between AI safety research and capability development remains heavily skewed toward capabilities, creating a structural imbalance in the current technological domain. Safety research receives a minority of total AI R&D funding across public and private sectors, often estimated at single-digit percentages or less of total compute expenditure. This disparity persists despite the increasing complexity and potential impact of advanc

The historical arc of human civilization has been inextricably linked to the necessity of overcoming environmental pressures and resource constraints, an agile that has fundamentally shaped the cognitive architecture and motivational systems of the species. For millennia, the primary impetus for human activity centered on securing sustenance, shelter, and safety, with the allocation of mental resources directed toward problem-solving required for survival. This evolutionary c