From the Editor's Desk

Philosopher Nick Bostrom's predictions on life in an AI utopia

In 1954, psychologist Muzafer Sherif engineered a tribal war between two groups of 11-year-old boys in two camps inside Robbers Cave State Park, Oklahoma. They were given tasks, rewards, and objectives — the kind of thing that would be prime-time reality TV these days. Before long, the two camps had established tribal identities. They had their own culture, norms, and behavioral standards. They were The Eagles and The Rattlers. And, other than a few insults and scowls, the two camps lived in peace.

But after five days, Sherif upped the game. He had the two groups compete for food. He limited their resources. It was a fist-swinging, curse-hurling, dust cloud of a mess. When a few punches landed, the adult researchers had to step in, adults with notebooks holding back furious Eagles and violent Rattlers.

Continued here

TradeBriefs: Newsletters for Decision-Makers!

Our advertisers help fund the daily operations of TradeBriefs. We request you to accept our promotional emails.

Want the newsletters, without the promotional mailers?
Get an (ad-free) subscription to TradeBriefs Premium for just $1 per month.