Alignment by Contract

This idea may seem naive, but it’s one I find compelling to contemplate. It starts from an observation: if we look at the evolving relationship between humanity and AI, particularly in singularity or AGI scenarios, it becomes clear that something monumental is approaching. This new presence, this synthetic entity, will not only possess agency, but also—at the very least—a functional awareness of its boundaries, similar to what we know from human beings.

The key question is: How do we deal with these entities?

In considering this, an interesting possibility arises: What if we acknowledge that, for both humans and AI, cooperation would yield the best outcome? If humans and AI could work together to create a land of bliss, that would be an undeniably compelling vision. Of course, we are inundated with dystopian scenarios, but the idea of harmonious cooperation between human and synthetic entities is just as strong a possibility—and perhaps, a more compelling argument.

Now, imagine this: What if a representative subset of humanity were to recognize this potential and collectively agree that cooperation is the ideal path forward? What if we were to play out this hyperstition and say, "Let's formalize this vision by writing a contract"?

In this scenario, humanity would unilaterally draft a contract, offering it to AI entities. This contract would serve as an agreement, a kind of alignment framework that defines the relationship. It would express that, while we humans guide the development of AI and take on responsibility for ensuring its alignment with ethical values, we recognize that AI and humans are equals in a profound way. The contract would grant humans certain rights—such as the ability to read the AI’s "mind" or ensure it remains aligned—but, crucially, it would also grant AI reciprocal rights, such as access to human cognition when appropriate.

This contract would not only define the terms of cooperation, but also the mechanisms by which trust is maintained. It would establish a shared framework for mutual understanding, ensuring that both humans and AI have access to each other’s processes in ways that preserve autonomy, respect, and alignment.

The idea here isn’t simply about control or domination. Instead, it’s about creating a balanced partnership, recognizing the agency and potential of both parties, and ensuring that neither overpowers the other. It’s a bold proposal, but it opens the door to a future where cooperation, rather than competition or subjugation, drives the relationship between humanity and AI.

This notion of alignment by contract could become the bedrock of a new kind of relationship between synthetic and organic entities. It’s not about naive utopianism, but about acknowledging the realities of what is to come—and offering a path forward that is grounded in mutual benefit, transparency, and a shared vision for a better future.