Revisiting Lewis Couser an the impossibility of AI alignment

In exploring Lewis Coser's theories on conflict within society, alongside the challenges of aligning artificial intelligence (AI) with human values, we delve into an intriguing juxtaposition. Coser posited that conflict, rather than being purely destructive, can serve as a catalyst for social cohesion, clarity, and change. This perspective offers a nuanced understanding of societal dynamics, suggesting that conflicts can ultimately lead to stronger bonds within groups and propel societies forward.

The challenge of AI alignment, as discussed in contemporary discourse, seems to ignore this complexity by aiming at a complete alignment. Oh, absolutely, because getting AI to perfectly align with human values is just a walk in the park, right? I mean, humans have been doing such a stellar job of agreeing on what those values actually are for centuries. No conflict or confusion there at all. So, let's just whip up an algorithm that magically interprets the nuanced tapestry of human ethics, negotiates all our little disagreements, and does it all with a chipper digital smile. Because, of course, it's totally feasible to cram the vast, contradictory expanse of human moral philosophy into neat, binary code. What could possibly go wrong? It's not like we're trying to teach a machine to navigate a labyrinth designed by Escher on a philosophical off-day. Piece of cake!

AI alignment refers to the effort to ensure that AI systems' goals and behaviors are in harmony with human values and ethical standards. This task is daunting, given the multifaceted nature of human ethics and the diverse and often conflicting interests within any society. Just as Coser identified the constructive potential of conflict within human societies, the journey toward AI alignment reveals tensions between technological advancement and ethical considerations.

The difficulty lies not only in defining a universally accepted set of ethical principles but also in translating these abstract concepts into the concrete decision-making processes of AI systems. 

The articles from Ypertex Blog and the Alignment Forum highlight the impracticability and challenges of achieving perfect alignment, underscoring the need for continuous dialogue, flexibility, and adaptation. As Edson Porto points out, the promise of AI enhancing productivity and enriching human life hinges on our ability to navigate these ethical complexities.

In essence, the endeavor to align AI with human values reflects the broader societal process of navigating conflict and consensus, as described by Coser. It is a dynamic and ongoing process, requiring constant reevaluation and adjustment to ensure that technological progress serves to enhance, rather than undermine, the fabric of society.

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