Why Conspiracy Theories?

[Clinamenic]

If you are in a position of writing/verifying/advising public policy, that is. The adversity here is more than I can fathom, but that neednt dissuade one from learning more and crafting more innovation solitons that better account for the incentives of your adversaries, whether than means beating them or compromising with them.

 

[version]

Anyone in a position to exert any sort of influence over this stuff will be exactly the kind of person who led us to this point in the first place.

 

[Clinamenic]

I don't really think there's anyone that can be trusted with the kind of power these people are seeking.

But what is the alternative here, that algorithms make these executive decisions? Not something I’m categorically opposed to, but I struggle to conceive of a sufficiently accountable and democratic mechanism to exert oversight over such algorithmic executives.

Much of my doubt here revolves around our seemingly insufficient understanding of the impact of these technologies, socially, psychologically, physiologically, environmentally, etc.

 

[Clinamenic]

Anyone in a position to exert any sort of influence over this stuff will be exactly the kind of person who led us to this point in the first place.

Well there is a radically alternative option which involves simply building a successor system beyond the scope and apprehension of the state, which is largely what is happening with blockchain.

 

[version]

I wouldn't be surprised to see any attempt to construct another system go the same way. I just don't trust anyone who actively pursues that sort of power.

 

[Clinamenic]

Anyone in a position to exert any sort of influence over this stuff will be exactly the kind of person who led us to this point in the first place.

To me this emphasizes the need for better political systems engineering.

I think the separation of powers is a significant buffer for the degree of corruption that would plague a monarchy/church arrangement of power, I.e I believe progress is being made, but I’m hardly a thorough historian.

 

[Clinamenic]

I wouldn't be surprised to see any attempt to construct another system go the same way. I just don't trust anyone who actively pursues that sort of power.

This is why I am so interested in this notion of a public executive, for largely the same reasons you are voicing here.

It would seem the closest thing to a middle ground I can think of, between unaccountable human CEOs and complex but programmable AI ceos.

 

[Clinamenic]

I think the skepticism is warranted, but I believe in belief.

 

[Clinamenic]

Belief, and the inexhaustible ability to take pains, as granted by genuine belief.

 

[Clinamenic]

Maybe these sentiments will be worth more once I am able to think like an elite’s financial advisor, or maybe they won’t. But along the way the experience will be more robust and meaningful.

 

[Clinamenic]

There are much more ancient trends than human greed.

 

[luka]

maybe theres more fun things to do than sitting on your bed pretending to be a financial advisor?

 

[version]

My argument of opposing power would end up causing the same problem if you took it to its logical conclusion as you'd just end up with a free for all and survival of the fittest. It doesn't seem realistic to think you can completely evade it.

 

[Clinamenic]

Actually I’m sitting on a couch presently.

 

[Clinamenic]

My argument of opposing power would end up causing the same problem if you took it to its logical conclusion as you'd just end up with a free for all and survival of the fittest.

Yeah I agree, I’d rather just believe in our ability to sort out our problems, as corny as that may sound to you jaded vets of the universe.

 

[version]

I think the separation of powers is a significant buffer for the degree of corruption that would plague a monarchy/church arrangement of power,

Yeah, I suppose this is the best we can hope for. Some sort of decentralised governance which affords enough power to keep things running, but not enough to reach the current levels of corruption.

 

[Clinamenic]

Even I f I end up just thinking idly through my life, which I highly doubt will happen, it still will have been a revelatory and sublime experience. Personally I’d rather find an outlet so that whatever utility I pose for systems design may be realized.

 

[Clinamenic]

Yeah, I suppose this is the best we can hope for. Some sort of decentralised governance which affords enough power to keep things running, but not enough to reach the current levels of corruption.

Yeah I think Citizens United represents a major flaw in our system here in the US, and I would imagine that systems in the UK have comparable statutes.

 

[Clinamenic]

You really should look into blockchain.

 

[luka]

You really should look into blockchain its the best toothpaste on the market.