Nick Bostrom’s new book, “Deep Utopia,” explores the upside potential of advanced artificial intelligence in contrast to his previous work, “Superintelligence,” which focused on the negative impacts. The book is structured as a series of lectures by an older version of the author, interrupted by humorous incidents and attended by three fictional students. Interspersed between the lectures are parables involving characters like Feodore the Fox and Thermo Rex, adding depth to the narrative.
One of the most striking features of “Deep Utopia” is Bostrom’s assumption of a “solved world” in the near future, where all scientific problems have been resolved, and humanity enjoys abundance and peace. He explores the concept of redundancy for humans in this scenario, distinguishing between shallow and deep redundancy. Shallow redundancy allows humans to live meaningful lives through creative endeavors, while deep redundancy renders all tasks, even pastimes, pointless in the face of advanced AI.
Bostrom delves into the search for the meaning of life, drawing on philosopher Thaddeus Metz’s theory that a meaningful life involves improvement, originality, and helping others. However, Bostrom refrains from providing a definitive answer, leaving the question unanswered as his dean abruptly ends his lecture. This philosophical exploration adds depth and introspection to the book, challenging readers to ponder their own existence and purpose.
While Bostrom’s primary goal with “Deep Utopia” was to highlight the positive aspects of AI and counteract the doom and gloom surrounding the topic, some readers may find the lack of detailed exploration into the technology’s upside potential disappointing. Nevertheless, the book is filled with humor, epigrams, and insightful commentary on human nature, aesthetics, and the pursuit of meaning. Bostrom’s playful writing style and philosophical musings make for an engaging and thought-provoking read.
Overall, “Deep Utopia” presents a unique exploration of AI, human redundancy, and the quest for meaning in a technologically advanced society. By blending lectures, parables, and philosophical discussions, Bostrom creates a multi-layered narrative that challenges readers to consider the implications of a “solved world” and the role of humanity in such a future. Despite the lack of a clear resolution on the meaning of life, the book offers plenty of food for thought and encourages reflection on the potential outcomes of AI development.
