Perry Metzger accuses Scott Alexander of using intellect to defend flawed AI-risk beliefs
robleclerc · x · 2026-10-07
Perry Metzger criticized Scott Alexander's response to Steven Pinker, arguing it shows the smarter you are, the more effectively you can deploy fuzzy language and logical fallacies to defend incorrect ideas.
- He claims groups that fall into tribalism prioritize defending pivotal beliefs over uncomfortable truths
- In his view, AI risk is the central value of the rationalist community, so its non-danger would threaten everything the group stands for
- The exchange is part of the ongoing tension between rationalists and their critics over AI existential risk
Related event: Scott Alexander's Open Letter Sparks AI Risk Debate with Pinker(26 posts)→
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