AI Worldviews: Similarities & Differences

There are many different perspectives on artificial intelligence and AI policy, but I’ve come to think ​about four generalized worldviews. ​I refer to them as: ​

(1) Accelerationist​ AI Absolutist​ (“Cornucopian”)​;

(2) Optimistic​ AI Realist (“Modernizer”)​;

(3) ​Skeptical​ AI Realist (“Preservationist”)​; and

(4) ​Decelerationist AI Absolutist​ (“Catastrophist”)​.​

There are very interesting similarities and differences among the​se worldviews​, however. ​We can compare and contrast them along a linear spectrum, or we can bend the line and look at them a different way through the prism of “horseshoe theory,” where the extremes sometimes meet and the middle finds some common ground.

Here are some slides that I developed to tease out the similarities and differences between the worldviews I’ve identified. Of course, some will dispute the labels or feel they over-simplify complex, nuanced perspectives. I stand guilty as charged, but would hope others agree that the labels and generalizations I use here at least identify some of the common themes/perspectives unifying certain groups of people in the expanding AI policy wars. This is just my first cut at this; I aim to refine these slides in coming months as I receive feedback.

P.S. I borrow the contrasting terms of “Preservationists” vs. “Modernizers” from Robert D. Atkinson’s 2004 book, The Past and Future of America’s Economy​, but ​​I use these labels in a slightly broader way here.

Different ways to cut things: Linear vs. “Horseshoe Theory”

We can also find agreement among realists and absolutists

Additional Reading:

• Adam Thierer, “The Schumer AI Framework and the Future of Emerging Tech Policymaking,” R Street Institute Real Solutions, June 27, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “Microsoft’s New AI Regulatory Framework & the Coming Battle over Computational Control,” Medium, May 29, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “Is AI Really an Unregulated Wild West?” Technology Liberation Front, June 22, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “The Most Important Principle for AI Regulation,” R Street Institute Real Solutions, June 21, 2023.
• INTERVIEW: “5 Quick Questions for AI policy analyst Adam Thierer,” interview for the Faster Please! newsletter with James Pethokoukis, June 12, 2024.
• PODCAST: “Who’s Afraid of Artificial Intelligence?” Tech Freedom TechPolicyPodcast, June 12, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “Existential Risks & Global Governance Issues around AI & Robotics,” R Street Institute Policy Study №291 (June 2023).
• FILING: Comments of Adam Thierer, R Street Institute to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on “AI Accountability Policy,” June 12, 2023.
• PODCAST: Adam Thierer: “Artificial Intelligence For Dummies,” SheThinks (Independent Women’s Forum) podcast, June 9, 2023.
• EVENT: “Does the US Need a New AI Regulator?” Center for Data Innovation & R Street Institute, June 6, 2023.
• Neil Chilson & Adam Thierer, “The Problem with AI Licensing & an ‘FDA for Algorithms,’” Federalist Society Blog, June 5, 2023.
• PODCAST: Neil Chilson & Adam Thierer, “The Future of AI Regulation: Examining Risks and Rewards,” Federalist Society Regulatory Transparency Project podcast, May 26, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “Here Come the Code Cops: Senate Hearing Opens Door to FDA for Algorithms & AI Occupational Licensing,” Medium, May16, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “What OpenAI’s Sam Altman Should Say at the Senate AI Hearing,” R Street Institute Blog, May 15, 2023.
• PODCAST: “Should we regulate AI?” Adam Thierer and Matthew Lesh discuss artificial intelligence policy on the Institute for Economic Affairs podcast, May 6, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “The Biden Administration’s Plan to Regulate AI without Waiting for Congress,” Medium, May 4, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “NEPA for Al? The Problem with Mandating Algorithmic Audits & Impact Assessments,” Medium, April 23, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “Flexible, Pro-Innovation Governance Strategies for Artificial Intelligence,” R Street Institute Policy Study №283 (April 2023).
• Adam Thierer, “A balanced AI governance vision for America,” The Hill, April 16, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, Brent Orrell, & Chris Meserole, “Stop the AI Pause,” AEI Ideas, April 6, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “Getting AI Innovation Culture Right,” R Street Institute Policy Study №281 (March 2023).
• Adam Thierer, “Can We Predict the Jobs and Skills Needed for the AI Era?,” R Street Institute Policy Study №278 (March 2023).
• Adam Thierer, “U.S. Chamber AI Commission Report Offers Constructive Path Forward,” R Street Blog, March 9, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “Statement for the Record on ‘Artificial Intelligence: Risks and Opportunities,’” U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, March 8, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “What If Everything You’ve Heard about AI Policy is Wrong?” Medium, February 20, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “Policy Ramifications of the ChatGPT Moment: AI Ethics Meets Evasive Entrepreneurialism,” Medium, February 14, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “Mapping the AI Policy Landscape Circa 2023: Seven Major Fault Lines,” R Street Blog, February 9, 2023.
• Adam Thierer, “Artificial Intelligence Primer: Definitions, Benefits & Policy Challenges,” Medium, December 2, 2022.
• Neil Chilson & Adam Thierer, “The Coming Onslaught of ‘Algorithmic Fairness’ Regulations,” Regulatory Transparency Project of the Federalist Society, November 2, 2022.
• Adam Thierer, “We Really Need To ‘Have a Conversation’ About AI … or Do We?” Discourse, October 6, 2022.
• Adam Thierer, “How the Embedding of AI Ethics Works in Practice & How It Can Be Improved,” Medium, September 22, 2022.
• Adam Thierer, “No Goldilocks Formula for Content Moderation in Social Media or the Metaverse, But Algorithms Still Help,” Medium, September 13, 2022.
• Adam Thierer, “AI Eats the World: Preparing for the Computational Revolution and the Policy Debates Ahead,” Medium, September 10, 2022.
• Adam Thierer, “‘Running Code and Rough Consensus’ for AI: Polycentric Governance in the Algorithmic Age,” Medium, September 1, 2022.
• Adam Thierer, “AI Governance ‘on the Ground’ vs ‘on the Books,’” Medium, August 19, 2022.
• Adam Thierer, “Why the Future of AI Will Not Be Invented in Europe,” Technology Liberation Front, August 1, 2022.
• Adam Thierer, “How Science Fiction Dystopianism Shapes the Debate over AI & Robotics,” Discourse, July 26, 2022.