PSA for EAs: it’s not the unilateralist’s curse to do something that somebody thinks is net negative. That’s just regular disagreement.

PSA for EAs: it’s not the unilateralist’s curse to do something that somebody thinks is net negative

That’s just regular disagreement.

The unilateralist’s curse happens when you do something that the vast majority of people think is net negative.

And that’s easily avoided.

You can see if the idea is something that most people think is bad by --- just checking

Put the idea out there and see what people think. Consider putting it up on the AI Safety Ideas sub-reddit where people can vote on it and comment on the idea

Or you can simply ask at least 5 or 10 informed and values aligned people what they think of the idea.

The way sampling works, you’ll find out almost immediately if the vast majority of people think something is net negative.

There’s no definite cut-off point for when it becomes the unilateralist’s curse, but if less than 50% of them think it’s net negative in expectation, you’re golden.

If even 40% of people think it’s net negative - well, that’s actually just insanely common in EA.

I mean, I think AMF is quite likely net negative!

EA is all about disagreeing about how to do the most good, then taking action anyways.

Don’t let disagreement stop you from taking action.

Action without theory is random and often harmful.

Theory without action is pointless.