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It points to a profound philosophical crisis. Since we are slowly gaining sufficient material power to reshape all aspects of the environment [0] to our whim, w
by roenxi 2y ago
It points to a profound philosophical crisis. Since we are slowly gaining sufficient material power to reshape all aspects of the environment [0] to our whim, what material comforts should we deny ourselves and what pleasures should be embraced? Our instincts and emotions have not prepared humans for the world they inhabit.
When that problem was mainly contained to just some drugs, overeating and laziness it was a less pressing issue. Don't do drugs, basically. Exercise sometimes. But once it starts to link itself into the economy like AI does, and once we gain access to the full spectrum of options from mindless parroting to a completely acceptable emotional companion (and, one suspects, highly intelligent and wise) we have a devious conundrum on hand.
It is hard to ignore the elephant in the room here which is most people don't get seem to have relationships that they really enjoy. It is reserved for the very lucky and those with low expectations.
[0] Beyond AI, although AI is probably the interesting facet right now.
- sdrothrock 2y ago> When that problem was mainly contained to just some drugs, overeating and laziness it was a less pressing issue. Don't do drugs, basically. Exercise sometimes. But once it starts to link itself into the economy like AI does I'm a little confused here -- we have entire economies around drugs (uppers, downers, enhancers, etc.), eating (eat more, eat less, want to eat more, want to eat less, gorge, fast, ultranutritious), and vanity (clothes, makeup, surgical procedures, gyms, etc.) and have shown that we're willing to build up and support industries to chase the impulses to "the full spectrum of options" in any of these areas. I think most people are dissatisfied or easily made to be dissatisfied with the state of their affairs, and this is something that's gone on for a long time and will likely never stop. What makes AI psychological companionship different from under/overindulging in these other aspects?
- roenxi 2y ago> What makes AI psychological companionship different from under/overindulging in these other aspects? Nothing, apart from it being a new option. It is part of a broader phenomenon.