At acknowledged risk of sounding like an evil robot, what's the theory of change that links this action to the desired outcome?
Traditionally the logic of a hunger strike is that it applies pressure to the target because they have sufficient conscience that they don't want to watch you die, or at least don't want to be viewed as responsible for your death, or don't want to create a "martyr". If you openly say from the outset that you don't intend to fast to death or detriment, what motivates the relevant decision makers to change their actions?
You really can't answer that question yourself? He's suffering on purpose and that makes people wonder why someone would do that. It won't make a difference in lab policy by itself. It draws attention to the arguments. It's a costly signal that he deeply believes ASI will kill us all. That could make some difference.
Death no. I didn't say anything about detriment. My life is already clearly worse as a result of this action.
Also the point is to get attention of broader public, not just those at the labs.
Q. Why am I doing this?
Superintelligent AI might kill every person on Earth by 2030 (unless people coordinate to pause AI research). I want public at large to understand the gravity of the situation.
Q. What are your demands?
An US-China international treaty to pause further AI research.
Q. How long is the fast?
Minimum 18 (eighteen) days. I will not be fasting to death. I am consuming water and electrolytes. No food. I might consider fasting to death if ASI was less than a year away with above 50% probability. Thankfully we are not there yet.
Q. How to learn more about this?
Watch my YouTube channel, watch Yudkowsky's recent interviews. Send me an email or DM (email preferred) if you'd like to ask me questions personally, or be included on the livestream yourself.
Q. Why are you not fasting in front of the offices of an AI lab?
I am still open to doing this, if someone can solve visa and funding issues for me. $20k will fix it.
Q. Are you doing this to seek attention?
Yes. I think more likes, shares and subscribes to my channel or similar channels is helpful both to me individually and to the cause of AI extinction risk. More people who are actually persuaded by the arguments behind extinction risk is helpful.
Q. Have you done sufficient preparation?
Yes. I have done sufficient research on logistics and physical health, including planning for emergencies. My mental health is manageable. Please don't ask specific questions, but trust me on this.
Q. I like you doing this. What can I do to help?
Like, share, subscribe. Share your own views in-person or online. It means more when you personally are saying it, instead of just sharing what I say.
If you are ready to put in even more effort than this, check out my website for some projects that could help, or message me about it.
Q. I don't like you doing this. What can I do to stop you?
You are welcome to make your arguments for why I should stop. I may or may not respond to them.
If you use physical force to stop me however, I will make it a priority to ensure you regret doing this when you are on your deathbed. You have probably never met an enemy as intelligent, creative and willing to play the decade-long game as I am. I don't care if you are a family member or friend or lover or random stranger or billionaire or whoever.
I am aware that kickstarting this social movement is going to involve a lot of social turmoil, and to that I say, bring it on!