growth-modes
Distinct phases of accelerating economic and technological development in human history, such as the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions.
1 chapter across 1 book
Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies (2014)Nick Bostrom
Chapter 1 traces the historical progression of human economic and cognitive growth through distinct growth modes, emphasizing the rapid acceleration from hunter-gatherer societies to industrial economies. It discusses the anticipation and challenges of achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), highlighting the concept of a potential intelligence explosion leading to superintelligence and the associated existential risks. The chapter also reflects on the early optimism and foundational moments in AI research, noting the initial underestimation of the technical difficulties and the lack of safety considerations.