arXiv:2606.13755v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: We argue that aligning AI to aggregated human preferences is the wrong target. With current technology, one can train AIs to share the values of a Silicon Valley techno-optimist, a degrowth environmentalist, a national-conservative culture warrior, a single-party state cadre, or a devout religious traditionalist. We should not. Human values produce societies that thrive or fail on the merits of those values - from failed states and extreme inequality to declining happiness, political polarization, and government dysfunction in the world's wealt
The proliferation of powerful AI models necessitates a more robust and ethically grounded discussion about AI alignment beyond simple human preference aggregation, as the potential for societal harm from misaligned AI becomes more apparent.
This paper highlights a critical philosophical and technical debate around AI alignment, arguing against simply codifying existing human flaws into AI systems, which has profound implications for AI development, regulation, and its societal impact.
The focus of AI alignment research and policy may shift from mimicking 'average' human preferences to aspiring towards more idealized, beneficial outcomes, moving beyond current ethical ambiguity.
- · Ethical AI researchers
- · AI governance bodies
- · Societies with clear aspirational values
- · AI developers prioritizing speed over ethics
- · Aggregated preference models for AI
- · Societies with fragmented or problematic values
Increased emphasis on value synthesis and 'ideal' value alignment methods in AI research.
Potential for national or international bodies to codify aspirational values for AI governance.
Divergence in AI development trajectories based on different national or organizational aspirations, leading to 'value-aligned AI stacks'.
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Read at arXiv cs.AI