Alignment Solved (The Math for Safe AI)

Definition: The claim that we already have – or are close to having – a formal, mathematical framework for ensuring AI systems act safely and in accordance with human values.

The Masking Mechanism: The mask is the use of formal logic, game theory, and reinforcement learning jargon to describe a problem that is fundamentally unsolved and may be unsolvable. The mask works because the math looks rigorous, but the underlying assumptions about values, preferences, and long-term consequences are deeply philosophical and untestable. It is the equivalent of claiming you can write an equation for “goodness”.

Genuine Parallel: The genuine parallel is the field of control theory and formal verification in engineering – where you can prove mathematically that a system will not exceed certain bounds. The mimicry is the application of that language to human values, which are far messier, more contextual, and more contradictory than any formal system can capture.