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Is the obsession with attaining Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and AI Superintelligence (ASI) actually derailing progress in AI?
In a bold move, some experts argue that the relentless pursuit of AGI and ASI is not only misguided but also hindering true advancements in AI. This notion challenges the prevailing sentiment that these goals are essential to push the boundaries of what we can achieve with AI.
The paper “Stop Treating ‘AGI’ As The North-Star Goal Of AI Research” by Borhane Blili-Hamelin et al., published on February 7, 2025, sheds light on six key traps that the pursuit of AGI is perpetuating. These pitfalls include the illusion of consensus, the promotion of bad science, and the suppression of concerns about AI safety and security.
According to this research paper, the focus on AGI has led to a plethora of issues. For instance, researchers are throwing spaghetti at the wall, testing random approaches without rigorous scientific methods. The emphasis on reaching AGI has also led to an underestimation of the importance of AGI generalization, neglecting the need for AI systems that can generalize their knowledge across various domains.
Proponents of the AGI pursuit argue that, despite these challenges, there are valid reasons to continue striving for this goal. Some maintain that providing a clear aspirational objective can inspire AI developers and researchers to make significant strides in AI. Others contend that labeling certain advancements as “AGI” is necessary to drive innovation and mobilize support.
However, critics of the AGI pursuit assert that these objections are insufficient and overlook the harmful consequences of this obsession. They propose that without a focus on AGI, the AI community would become scattered and disoriented, lacking direction and momentum.
In conclusion, while some experts believe that the pursuit of AGI has its merits, others argue that it is counterproductive and holds back progress in AI research.
Source: www.forbes.com
