Scott Alexander Pens Open Letter To Steven Pinker Challenging His AI Risk Skepticism
neil_chilson · x · 2026-10-07
Scott Alexander has published an open letter to Steven Pinker on Astral Codex Ten, following up on his public challenge to debate AI after clashing with Pinker's posts downplaying AI risk. He humorously recounts being flooded with podcast and debating-society offers to host the debate.
Pinker replied in his trademark reasonable style, arguing in-person debates feel confrontational rather than truth-seeking, denying personal attacks, and inviting Alexander to respond to his arguments that AI may not be so dangerous.
The letter marks the latest round in a high-profile exchange between two prominent public intellectuals over AI risk discourse.
Related event: Scott Alexander pens open letter rebutting Steven Pinker's AI optimism(8 posts)→
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