Chinese philosophers are offering a radically different perspective on artificial intelligence, challenging the assumption that AI should be aligned with human values. In a new essay published by Arnaud Bertrand on Substack, thinkers like Zhao Tingyang and Liu Yongmou argue that aligning AI to human values may be a "suicidal mistake" and warn of the "machinization of humans." The piece, highlighted by Techmeme, suggests that Western debates on AI are culturally narrow, assuming intelligence is central to human identity—a view not shared in Chinese thought.
The essay raises urgent questions about AI's role in society, as the industry ramps up infrastructure spending. With major tech companies planning to add over 50 gigawatts of AI compute capacity, the philosophical divide could shape how AI is developed and regulated globally, including in Tunisia where AI adoption is growing.
Chinese Philosophers Challenge AI Alignment
Zhao Tingyang, a prominent philosopher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, argues that the Silicon Valley drive to make AI share human values could be dangerous. He calls it potentially "suicidal," suggesting that imposing human values on a superintelligent system might backfire. This view contrasts sharply with Western efforts to ensure AI remains aligned with human ethics.
Liu Yongmou, a philosopher of technology, expresses a different concern: the "machinization of humans." He fears that as AI becomes more integrated into daily life, humans may adopt machine-like behaviors and lose essential qualities. These perspectives highlight a deep philosophical divergence that could influence global AI governance.
- Alignment to human values may be a "suicidal mistake" (Zhao Tingyang).
- Fears of "machinization of humans" (Liu Yongmou).
