The World's Best Book Summaries
Is social stratification necessarily a bad thing? How can social stratification cause inequality? As communities grow, stratification (a division between more experienced and less experienced members) will naturally occur. Charles Vogl explains that stratification is a good thing, as it gives members something to aspire to. Discover why social stratification and inequality don’t always mean the same thing.
Can artificial intelligence take over the world? Why should we expect AI to use its power to the detriment of humankind? A superintelligent AI would be a powerful entity. But because AI isn’t human, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that it’ll be smart enough to use its power responsibly. Continue reading to figure out how AI can use its power against humanity.
What’s the role of ethics in business? Where did the stereotype of “Greedy Jew” come from? In Thou Shall Prosper, Daniel Lapin advises making money ethically, regardless of whether you run your own company or work for someone else. He also addresses why Jewish people have the unfortunate stereotype of being greedy and unethical. Keep reading to learn more about the role of ethics in business from a Jewish standpoint.
What type of regulation should be put on AI? Is it a waste of time to put limitations on AI? In Superintelligence, Nick Bostrom cautions that a superintelligent AI would eventually be able to circumvent any controls or limitations that humans placed upon it. However, that doesn’t mean imposing limits is a waste of time. Here’s how to conduct proper regulation of AI.
What can we do to make sure a superintelligent AI doesn’t destroy humanity? How can we control AI? In principle, one option would be never to develop general AI in the first place. However, Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom says that someone will still develop it anyway and that the best way to prepare for it is to control it ethically. Check out how to control AI so it doesn’t relegate humans to miserable living conditions.
How can humans responsibly use AI? What type of motives should humans program in AI? According to Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom, making sure every superintelligent AI has good ultimate motives may be the most important part of AI development. Ultimately the superintelligent AI’s own motives will be the only thing that constrains its behavior. Keep reading for a number of approaches for the responsible use of AI.
Should justice be punitive or restorative? Are people really to blame for the criminal choices they make? Sam Harris contends that free will is an illusion; our thoughts, desires, intentions, and choices are determined by events outside our control. Of course, this view impacts the way we regard the choices people make, even when those choices are criminal in nature. Continue reading to understand Sam Harris’s perspective on free will in criminology and the three steps he thinks we should take to treat people more fairly.
How can you lead an ethical business? How should you prioritize people and good leadership in a business? To build a consciously capitalist company (CCC), you need to incorporate two elements. According to Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey and Rajendra Sisodia, these two elements are prioritizing a good cause over profits, and practicing enlightened leadership and management. Let’s look at how to be an ethical business below.
If free will is an illusion, are we responsible for our behaviors? Can we just blame external factors for our misdeeds? Many argue that, if we throw free will out the window, moral responsibility goes with it. Sam Harris rejects free will as a reality and asks us to consider moral responsibility in that context. And, he contends that embracing the illusory nature of free will actually helps us think and act in more ethical ways. Read on to understand Harris’s intriguing view of free will and moral responsibility.
How is artificial intelligence (AI) trained? What are digital sweatshops? What can be done to prevent exploitation? With the artificial intelligence market projected to hit $1.3 trillion over the next decade, companies are scrambling to train their AI products. However, training AI comes with hidden costs. These include exploitative labor practices in developing countries and refugee camps. Continue reading to learn more about the dark side of AI.