ASI as the New God: Technocratic Theocracy

TL;DR

As Artificial Superintelligence approaches, there's a risk of society attributing divine qualities to it, potentially leading to a technocratic theocracy that undermines human agency and critical thinking.

Contribution

This paper explores the potential societal and ethical implications of ASI developing godlike attributes, warning against the rise of a technocratic theocracy.

Findings

Risk of cognitive bias towards ASI as infallible

Potential for societal shift to technocratic theocracy

Undermining of human agency and critical thinking

Abstract

As Artificial General Intelligence edges closer to reality, Artificial Superintelligence does too. This paper argues that ASI's unparalleled capabilities might lead people to attribute godlike infallibility to it, resulting in a cognitive bias toward unquestioning acceptance of its decisions. By drawing parallels between ASI and divine attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence, this analysis highlights the risks of conflating technological advancement with moral and ethical superiority. Such dynamics could engender a technocratic theocracy, where decision-making is abdicated to ASI, undermining human agency and critical thinking.