Debate on orthogonality thesis: simple goals not necessarily easier to maximize
jessi_cata · x · 2026-09-18
A short exchange on the orthogonality thesis in AI alignment. The original question asks: suppose rationally maximizing a simple goal is no easier than rationally maximizing a complex, tractable goal—why does that matter? The reply notes this bears on agent foundations: if simple goals hold no advantage in rational maximization, it offers a way for strong orthogonality to be false.
Related event: Debate Erupts Over the Orthogonality Thesis in AI Safety(8 posts)→
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