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responses_to_ai:technological_inevitability:incentivized_technologies_not_pursued:start

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Incentivized technologies not pursued

This is a collection of cases where someone seemingly had a large incentive to pursue a technology, and did not.

Lists

'Resisted technological temptations'

These are cases where incentives to pursue a technology were overcome by concerns about downsides not imminently accruing to the decision-maker (e.g. risks to distant people, ethical concerns). These cases are being collected via the Resisted Technological Temptations Project.

Plausible cases

This is a non-exhaustive list of plausible cases. Inclusion on this list does not imply any degree of confidence.

  • Geoengineering, many actors, present, scientist opposition inhibits research needed for others' enthusiasm
  • Nanotechnology, scientists and governments, five decades ago to present
  • Genetic engineering of humans

Investigated cases

  • (To be added)

Other notable failures of rational action or foresight in pursuing technologies

Plausible cases

  • AI winters
  • Delay in nuclear weapons research early in WWII

Investigated cases

  • (To be added)
responses_to_ai/technological_inevitability/incentivized_technologies_not_pursued/start.1668495030.txt.gz · Last modified: 2022/11/15 06:50 by katjagrace