Neils’s lecture was highly informative for someone who has little to no experience in AI. However, for people who have spent much time working in this field, it was more of a general overview, and in other words – a bit boring.
There are a few things I loved about the lecture though.
He explained the difference between how people perceive AI and what it actually is – a software heavily trained to find answers in a clever way compared to humans, but a “software” not a “conscious” entity. And it’s definitely not just a humanoid robot. He was quite articulate in demonstrating this difference, and I think it’s really necessary to understand it before looking at the threats of AI.
I also found it interesting how he connected many concepts about AI safety and governance with analogies such as of Yin and Yang, and of a Kitchen Knife. He articulately demonstrated the duality inherent in technology (like how a knife can be good if used correctly, but will be bad in hands of the evil), and connected it to the concepts of safety in AI, which are very valid points.