Tom Brown
All peopleTom Brown, full AI read
Tom Brown, Co-founder, Anthropic; GPT-3 lead author (United States), ranks #381/500 on the Power & Influence Index (45.5). Greatest lever: AI power (70.0, Strong). Entrenchment 62/100; net worth $2bn.
Dimension read
| Dimension | Value | Standing | What a high vs low value means, and where Tom Brown sits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PII Power & Influence (PII) | 45.5 | Moderate · #381/635 | Mid-pack. High would mean near the apex of civilizational influence; low would mean lower relative influence within this elite set. ▲ high: near the apex of civilizational influence · ▼ low: lower relative influence within this elite set |
| Economic power Economic power | 56.0 | Moderate · #360/635 | Mid-pack. High would mean controls vast wealth and companies; low would mean limited economic control. ▲ high: controls vast wealth and companies · ▼ low: limited economic control |
| Political power Political power | 24.0 | Lagging · #583/635 | Low here, little formal political power. ▲ high: commands states, law or policy · ▼ low: little formal political power |
| AI power AI power | 70.0 | Strong · #125/635 | High here, shapes or controls the trajectory of AI. ▲ high: shapes or controls the trajectory of AI · ▼ low: limited sway over AI's direction |
| Platform reach Platform reach | 46.0 | Moderate · #407/635 | Mid-pack. High would mean commands a vast audience or network; low would mean limited direct reach. ▲ high: commands a vast audience or network · ▼ low: limited direct reach |
| Institutional control Institutional control | 58.0 | Developing · #460/635 | Low here, limited institutional control. ▲ high: controls pivotal institutions and capital · ▼ low: limited institutional control |
| Entrenchment / tenure Entrenchment / tenure | 62.0 | Moderate · #319/635 | Mid-pack. High would mean power is locked in (indefinite or controlling stake); low would mean power is contingent, term-limited or contestable. ▲ high: power is locked in (indefinite or controlling stake) · ▼ low: power is contingent, term-limited or contestable |
Strengths
- AI power (70.0, Strong), shapes or controls the trajectory of AI.
Risk factors
- Significant but balanced influence with no single dominant lever.
AI worldview
Ideas & positions
Tom Brown is a leading figure in the development of large language models, having led the creation of GPT-3 and co-founded Anthropic. He emphasizes the importance of robust and safe AI systems, advocating for research that ensures these models are aligned with human values. Brown has not publicly taken strong stances on existential risk, but his work at Anthropic suggests a focus on long-term safety and reliability. He has also been involved in discussions about the balance between open and closed models, though his specific positions are not well-documented. His product decisions at Anthropic reflect a commitment to developing AI that is both powerful and trustworthy.
What shapes the view
Brown's background in deep learning and his experience with large-scale pretraining models like GPT-3 have shaped his views on the importance of technical rigor and safety in AI development. His co-founding of Anthropic indicates a belief in the need for a dedicated organization focused on building AI that is beneficial and safe for humanity. While he has not publicly detailed his stance on government intervention or national security, his work suggests a pragmatic approach to ensuring AI's positive impact.
The AI-powered future they see
Brown's public predictions and statements suggest a future where AI plays a significant role in solving complex problems, from scientific research to everyday applications. He promotes the idea that with proper alignment and safety measures, AI can be a powerful tool for human advancement. However, he also emphasizes the need for ongoing research to address potential risks and ensure that AI systems remain beneficial and controllable.