AI Alignment through Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback? Contradictions and Limitations

Adam Dahlgren Lindström, Leila Methnani, Lea Krause, Petter Ericson, Íñigo Martínez de Rituerto de Troya, Dimitri Coelho Mollo, Roel Dobbe·June 26, 2024

Summary

This paper critically examines the use of Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) and AI feedback (RLAIF) in aligning large language models with human values. It highlights the limitations of the 3H criteria (helpfulness, harmlessness, and honesty) in capturing the complexity of ethics and raises ethical concerns about user-friendliness, deception, flexibility, and system safety. The authors argue for a more nuanced and multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing the need to assess sociotechnical implications and consider alternative methods that integrate technical, philosophical, and ethical perspectives for a more comprehensive and robust AI alignment strategy. The papers collectively call for a shift away from simplistic technical solutions and towards a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable AI development process.

Introduction
Background
Emergence of RLHF and RLAIF in AI ethics
Importance of aligning LLMs with human values
Objective
To critically evaluate the effectiveness of RLHF and RLAIF
Identify limitations and ethical concerns
Call for a multidisciplinary approach to AI alignment
Method
Data Collection
Review of existing literature on RLHF and RLAIF
Case studies of LLM applications and their outcomes
Data Preprocessing
Analysis of 3H criteria in practice
Identification of gaps and inconsistencies
Ethical Frameworks
Examinations of the 3H criteria's limitations
User-friendliness
Deception and flexibility
System safety
Integration of diverse perspectives
Technical, philosophical, and ethical considerations
Methodological Challenges
Assessing sociotechnical implications
Transparency and accountability in AI development
Limitations and Ethical Concerns
Nondeterministic nature of RLHF
The role of bias in feedback
The potential for reinforcement of harmful biases
Alternatives to RLHF and RLAIF
Multidisciplinary approaches
Human-in-the-loop methods
Ethical design principles
Philosophical frameworks for AI alignment
Utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics
Ethical AI development frameworks
Explainable AI, fairness, and privacy
Recommendations for a Comprehensive Strategy
Inclusive AI development teams
Ongoing ethical review processes
Public engagement and dialogue
Regulatory and policy implications
Conclusion
Recap of key findings
The need for a shift in AI research and practice
Future directions for AI alignment and ethics research
Basic info
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artificial intelligence
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