9. From Turing’s Speculations to an Academic Discipline: A History of AI Existential Safety

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John Burden, Sam Clarke, Jess Whittlestone

Published: 23 Aug 2023, Last Modified: 19 Jan 2026CrossrefEveryoneRevisionsCC BY-SA 4.0
Abstract: Through a short history of research into artificial intelligence, this chapter emphasises the need to ensure the safety of such technology. From longstanding fears of hubris to contemporary technical challenges, concerns around this modern technology are discussed, and the need to make progress on AI existential safety to avoid dangers to future generations is scrutinised.