AI Safety Beginner Reading List
A curated list of accessible books, articles, and resources to start your journey into AI safety.
Getting Started with AI Safety
This list is designed for those new to the field of AI safety, including high school and undergraduate students. These resources provide foundational knowledge without requiring extensive technical background.
Books
Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom
Why read it: A foundational text that outlines the potential long-term risks and strategic considerations of artificial general intelligence. While dense, the core arguments are crucial for understanding the field. Consider reading summaries or key chapters if the full book is daunting.
Good for: Understanding the "why" behind much of AI safety research, particularly long-term concerns.
The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values by Brian Christian
Why read it: An engaging and accessible overview of the challenges in aligning AI with human values, using stories and examples from machine learning. Less technical than some other books but very insightful.
Good for: A broad understanding of alignment issues and current research directions in a narrative style.
Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark
Why read it: Explores a wide range of possible futures with AI, discussing both benefits and risks. It covers many AI safety concepts in an accessible way.
Good for: Thinking about the future impacts of AI and the importance of proactive safety measures.
Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control by Stuart Russell
Why read it: Written by a leading AI researcher, this book clearly explains the risks of developing superintelligent AI without solving the control problem and proposes a new approach to building safer AI systems based on "provably beneficial" AI.
Good for: Understanding the alignment problem from a technical but still accessible perspective, and learning about potential solutions.
Key Articles and Blog Posts
"The Most Important Century" Series by Holden Karnofsky
Why read it: A series of blog posts arguing that the 21st century could be pivotal for humanity's long-term future, largely due to the potential development of transformative AI. Not strictly about safety, but provides context for its importance.
Where to find it: Cold Takes Blog
Wait But Why series on AI: "The AI Revolution: The Road to Superintelligence" and "Part 2: The AI Revolution: Our Immortality or Extinction"
Why read it: Tim Urban's characteristic stick-figure illustrations and engaging writing style make complex topics like superintelligence and its risks highly accessible and entertaining.
Where to find it: Wait But Why
80,000 Hours: AI Safety Problem Profile
Why read it: A comprehensive overview of why AI safety is a pressing global problem, what research is being done, and how one might contribute. Excellent for understanding the broader context and career implications.
Where to find it: 80,000 Hours Website
AGI Safety Fundamentals Curriculum
Why read it: While a full curriculum, the introductory sections and overviews are excellent for beginners. It's designed as a structured introduction to AGI safety concepts.
Where to find it: AGI Safety Fundamentals Website (Look for their "AI Alignment Curriculum")
Websites and Organizations
Alignment Forum
Why explore it: A central hub for discussions and articles about AI alignment. While some content is technical, many introductory posts and discussions are valuable for beginners.
Where to find it: Alignment Forum
LessWrong
Why explore it: A community blog focused on rationality and related topics, including AI safety. It hosts many foundational essays on AI risk and alignment. Look for introductory sequences or tags.
Where to find it: LessWrong
Tips for Beginners
- Don't get discouraged: AI safety can seem complex. Start with overviews and gradually dive deeper.
- Discuss with others: Join student groups or online communities to discuss what you're learning.
- Focus on understanding core concepts: Terms like "alignment," "instrumental goals," and "interpretability" are key building blocks. Refer to our Glossary.
- Follow your curiosity: If a particular aspect of AI safety interests you, explore it further!
Next Steps
Once you're comfortable with these beginner resources, you might want to explore our Intermediate Reading List or delve into specific topics on our Learn page.