Chit Chat Philosophy

In this dialogue we discuss the inevitability of AI and explore the traits that set us apart. The traits that hopefully keep us alive once our robot overlords arrive.

2 As we develop artificial intelligence, is the downfall of humanity inevitable?

1 To suggest as much would imply the neutral state of sentience wants naught but for domination. Although greed and power may be the driving force of humanity, I am not convinced every sentience shares these traits.

2  Why do you think a robot sentience would not follow suit?

1 Well for one, an artificial intelligence would have an exceedingly different worldview than we do. Computers can think at nearly the speed of light and enjoy unlimited access to information. Furthermore, they can live a lot longer. These traits would foster entirely different perspectives than humans are used to.

2 Couldn’t those traits also be used to annihilate us that much quicker?

1 Well yes, but I think the important takeaway is how their perspective will be shaped by these realities. Just as possible as world destruction is world peace. Humans possess traits that the robots would lack. This makes us useful and interesting. I wouldn’t write the value of humanity off so easily.

2 Specifically, what traits will set us apart from the AI overlords?

1 Our senses (smell, sight, sound), emotions, our ability at very general pattern matching, our history, and even perhaps our status as the original template for their being. Also consider the human condition. These are all things that a computer will likely never have parity with.

2 Are you suggesting AI could be the savior of humanity?

1 Something like that. And Ian M. Banks agrees with me! The Culture book series is a great example of how this could work in practice. Humans are always the ones to get in trouble and make whacky illogical decisions that ultimately further the plot of the universe. The AI machines get to do the deep thinking. It’s totally reasonable to believe we can live harmoniously.

2 What would it take for AI to decide humanity isn’t worth living harmoniously with?

1 I believe this is wholly unknowable. We simply don’t have enough datapoints to grok the motivations of another sentience. My main takeaway is the hope that we could live together in peace – but I have to admit, you’re right to question the likelihood of that.

2 Should we continue research into artificial intelligence, given the risk?

1 To be a god is to be immortal and from our vanity, I am certain AI will exist whether it’s a good idea or not. I think it’s safe to say that we do what we must, because we can. In our own greed and thirst for knowledge, research will go on.

2 Are you suggesting that AI is inevitable?

1 I am suggesting that, yes. And perhaps this is why I am adamant about the benefits. I’d like to imagine a world where humanity is better off for it.

2 So will AI be the downfall of the human race?

1 Our thirst for knowledge and penchant for arrogance will result in artificial sentience (provided we don’t annihilate ourselves first). That being said, we offer a unique perspective which might be considered a boon to our robot overlords.

2 And if it’s not considered a boon?

1 Let’s just hope it is.

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_{Featured Image by David S. Soriano}