Michael I. Jordan on AI: "Superintelligence is science fiction" (www.di.ens.fr)

In a recent interview, renowned machine learning pioneer Michael I. Jordan dismissed the concept of "superintelligence" as science fiction, emphasizing that the current discourse surrounding AI has created undue hysteria within the tech community. He critiques the popular narrative fueled by alarming claims, such as those following the resignation of Jacob Coxon from Anthropic, which suggested an imminent "AIpocalypse." Jordan argues that this narrative is grounded in naivety and lacks practical understanding, as many proponents of such views come from non-engineering backgrounds and focus on speculative scenarios rather than real-world applications. Jordan advocates for a more pragmatic approach to AI as a socio-economic phenomenon rather than a harbinger of existential threats. He highlights the need for responsible engineering practices and cautions against the sensationalism that creates anxiety around AI's capabilities. Acknowledging the integration of AI into various industries, Jordan predicts a trend toward open-weight models, which may undermine leading firms like OpenAI and Anthropic by offering accessible alternatives. Ultimately, he views the potential of AI positively, asserting that its true impact will depend on thoughtful application rather than sensationalized fears.