Two models for future autonomous agentic AIs

I “agents” are coming, whether we are ready or not. While there is much uncertainty about when AI models will be able to better act autonomously on digital platforms, other AI tools, and even humans, there can be little doubt that this development will be transformative — for better or worse. Yet, despite all the commentary (and hype) around agentic AI, many key questions remain unaddressed, the largest being which type of AI agent the tech industry is seeking to develop.

- Daron Acemoglu

Different models will have vastly different implications. With an “AI as advisor” approach, AI agents would offer individually calibrated recommendations to human decision-makers, leaving humans always in the driver’s seat. But with an “autonomous AI” model, agents will take the wheel on behalf of humans. That is a distinction with profound and far-reaching implications.

Humans make hundreds of decisions every day, some of which have major consequences for their careers, livelihoods, or happiness. Many of these decisions are based on imperfect or incomplete information, or determined more by emotions, intuitions, instincts, or impulses. As David Hume famously put it, “Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.” Humans may make most decisions without systematic reasoning or due attention to the full implications, but as Hume recognised with the “ought” part of his statement, this isn’t all bad. It is what makes us human. Passion reflects purpose, and it may also play a key role in how we cope with a complex world.

With AI advisors that provide customised, reliable, context-relevant, useful, information, important decisions can be improved. But how far should we remain dominant. But what’s so bad about autonomous AIs making decisions on our behalf? Couldn’t they improve decision-making, even further, save time, and vent more?