Yes. I've noticed this too on other threads talking about AI safety. The recent advancements in machine learning that are creating all the hype and industry int

Yes. I've noticed this too on other threads talking about AI safety. The recent advancements in machine learning that are creating all the hype and industry interest have all been through the complete opposite approach that MIRI/AI safety researchers is taking. These advancements have been largely driven through empirical research, incremental engineering, trial-and-error practice, and rules-of-thumb (I am basically describing the state of deep learning research).