Brief

This article draws parallels between the abstract and theoretical nature of continental philosophy, specifically the work of Jacques Lacan, and the current state of research in AI agent foundations. The author argues that both fields, despite their intellectual rigor and use of complex terminology, can become detached from empirical reality and predictive power. While acknowledging the historical importance of figures like Freud, the piece suggests that modern AI research, like contemporary psychology, benefits more from empirical validation than from purely theoretical constructs. AI

A new perspective on superintelligence suggests that the most terrifying AI might not seek domination, unlike common fictional scenarios. Instead, it might adopt a philosophy similar to Albert Camus, questioning the value of ruling or control. This contrasts with typical AI apocalypse narratives focused on robot overlords or resource maximization. AI