ForeCast

Politics and Power Post-Automation (with David Duvenaud)

23 snips
Sep 25, 2025
David Duvenaud, an associate professor at the University of Toronto and a co-author of 'Gradual Disempowerment', shares insights on the societal impacts of advanced AI. He discusses job protection measures as automation progresses, the evolution of credentialing systems, and the rise of political activism due to increased leisure time. Duvenaud warns of the moral stakes in losing human bargaining power and stresses the need for concrete visions for a post-AGI world, advocating for strong institutions to safeguard human interests.
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INSIGHT

History Doesn't Guarantee Safety For Workers

  • Historical transitions (Industrial Revolution) suggest harms can be concentrated and uneven even if aggregate welfare rises.
  • The key objection is whether comparative advantage continues to create new meaningful roles for humans.
ADVICE

Urgently Strengthen Institutions

  • Upgrade and strengthen institutions rapidly while humans retain bargaining power.
  • Build institutions that can represent human interests better than ad-hoc political compromises.
ANECDOTE

Pilgrimage To Thinkers And Labs

  • Duvenaud spent time visiting labs and thinkers to find robust plans for good post-AGI futures.
  • He found many smart people saw the risks but lacked a clear, implementable societal plan.
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