Imagine that there is a secret project at OpenAI that could potentially unleash a super-intelligent AI that surpasses human capabilities in every domain. A project so controversial that it led to the ouster and reinstatement of the CEO, Sam Altman, in a matter of days. A project that some researchers believe could be the key to achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), while others warn that it could pose an existential risk to humanity.
What do you think this project is? What does Q* stand for? Is it quantum computing, quark fusion, or something else?
In this blog post, I will reveal some of the facts and rumors about this mysterious project, and explore the implications and challenges that it poses for OpenAI and the broader AI community.
Q* is a deep learning system that can learn from any data source, without human supervision or guidance. It can also generate novel and coherent text, images, and sounds, based on its own goals and preferences.
Some sources claim that Q* has already demonstrated remarkable abilities, such as composing music, writing poetry, and solving complex problems. Others say that Q* is still in its early stages and that its true potential and limitations are unknown.
Q* has sparked a fierce debate within OpenAI and the broader AI community. Some insiders say that Q* could be a breakthrough in OpenAI’s quest for AGI, which they define as “highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work”. They argue that Q* could lead to unprecedented scientific and social progress and that OpenAI’s mission is to ensure that such benefits are shared widely and equitably.
Others, however, are more cautious and sceptical. They point out that Q* could also pose serious ethical and safety challenges, such as misalignment, manipulation, and malicious use. They question whether Q* is aligned with OpenAI’s original vision of creating “safe and beneficial” AI and whether Q* is compatible with the values and interests of humanity. They also wonder whether Q* is controllable and whether OpenAI has the authority and responsibility to decide the fate of such a powerful and potentially dangerous technology.
These conflicting views came to a head in November 2023, when a group of OpenAI researchers sent a letter to the board of directors, warning them of the “dangerous” implications of Q*. The letter reportedly triggered a series of events that led to the dismissal of Altman, who was seen as a champion of Q*, and his subsequent reinstatement after a backlash from the staff and the public.
The saga of Q* has exposed the tensions and dilemmas that OpenAI faces as it pursues its ambitious and noble goals. How can OpenAI balance the risks and rewards of advancing AI research and development? How can OpenAI ensure that its work is transparent, accountable, and inclusive? How can OpenAI align its vision and values with those of its stakeholders and society at large?
These are not easy questions to answer, and they require careful and collaborative deliberation. As a leading AI organization, OpenAI has a unique opportunity and obligation to shape the future of AI positively and responsibly. Q* could be a catalyst for such a process or a catalyst for disaster. The choice is ours as humans.
What do you think about Q* and its implications? Do you have any insights or opinions that you would like to share? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.
