responses_to_ai:technological_inevitability:incentivized_technologies_not_pursued:start
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Table of Contents
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
- Chlorofluorocarbons, many actors, 1985-present
- Nanotechnology, scientists and governments, five decades ago to present
- Genetic engineering of humans
- Human challenge trials, especially for covid vaccines
- Dietary restrictions, in most (all?) human cultures
- GMOs, in some countries
- Nuclear power, in some countries
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
- Excalibur
Investigated cases
- (To be added)
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