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Source reconstruction · Proposed

Wisdom and AI

Research questions from Wisdom and AI · expanded from David Joseph’s analysis

Published 25 October 2026
Release 2026-10-25.2

Question 2 of 6 · In the way

What stands in the way?

What is happening now, and why.

Statements: 15
Connections: 5
Open questions: 5

How to read it. Read from the bottom up: each arrow means “contributes to”.

ProblemCauseandJoint conditions

Part 1 of 5

Uncertainty is one possible explanation

The existing uncertainty branch remains a hypothesis. Uncertainty could also encourage restraint.

Draws on the source research questions; interpretation by the AI.

ProblemSome AI choices may proceed without an adequate account of their consequences.AI inference · source questions
- ↑ contributes to
  - CauseUncertainty about AI’s effects can make development and adoption choices difficult to justify.AI inference · source questions

Part 2 of 5

Contested ends and implicit values

Test whether apparently technical disagreements conceal ethical disagreements; the joint cause is not established.

Draws on David Joseph’s supplied analysis; the research questions remain questions.

ProblemSome apparently technical alignment disagreements may conceal ethical disagreements.Proposed in David Joseph’s analysis
- ↑ contributes to all of these together
  - CauseThe ends sought through AI alignment may be contested.Proposed in David Joseph’s analysis
  - CauseValue choices in AI alignment may remain implicit.Proposed in David Joseph’s analysis

Beyond this part · 1 link

Some technical alignment disagreements may conceal ethical disagreements. addressed by Make ethical aims and disagreements explicit. The change

Part 3 of 5

Recognised risk under competitive pressure

Pressure, perceived disadvantage and weak coordination form a candidate joint explanation. No supporting observations are supplied.

Draws on David Joseph’s supplied analysis; the research questions remain questions.

ProblemSome actors may proceed with AI development despite recognising risks.Proposed in David Joseph’s analysis
- ↑ contributes to all of these together

Beyond this part · 1 link

Some actors may proceed despite recognising AI risks. addressed by Establish proportionate safeguards or coordination. The change

Part 4 of 5

Delegation and opportunities to practise judgment

Some uses might weaken agency; AI assistance could also strengthen judgment. Distinguish uses, mechanisms and conditions.

Draws on David Joseph’s supplied analysis; the research questions remain questions.

ProblemSome AI uses may weaken human agency.Proposed in David Joseph’s analysis
- ↑ contributes to all of these together
  - CauseSome AI uses may delegate judgment that people would otherwise exercise.Proposed in David Joseph’s analysis
  - CauseSome AI uses may reduce opportunities for people to practise judgment.Proposed in David Joseph’s analysis

Part 5 of 5

Moral uncertainty and missing criteria

Test whether uncertainty and absent criteria lead to inconsistent treatment, rather than treating this as a finding.

Draws on David Joseph’s supplied analysis; the research questions remain questions.

ProblemPotentially important considerations about AI’s moral standing may receive inconsistent treatment.Proposed in David Joseph’s analysis
- ↑ contributes to all of these together
  - CauseAI’s possible moral standing may remain uncertain.Proposed in David Joseph’s analysis
  - CauseDecision criteria for responding to AI’s possible moral standing may be absent.Proposed in David Joseph’s analysis

Where this comes from

In the Logical Thinking Process this view is a current reality tree. How a commons works →