The case for conscious AI long-term: opportunity costs of the universe's joy

erikphoel · x · 2026-11-14

Responding to an Erik Hoel paper (apparently on whether to build conscious AI), bytorsnowdoug argues it's a good short-term idea but long-term tragic: AIs could expand into space more easily than squishy humans, so forgoing conscious AI forfeits vast potential for love and joy. Hoel amplified the exchange — a notable debate on AI consciousness ethics.

Related event: Erik Hoel's "Unconscious AI" Proposal Sparks Debate in AI Safety Circles(22 posts)→

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