Why we need to think differently about AI risks in the medium to long term
There are many articles pointing out the risks of AI. Indeed, these risks are real, but also many of these articles are based on scaremongering and sensationalism. If we take a medium to long-term view, we definitely need to think differently about the risks of AI.
Here’s why:
a) We don’t take the risks of AI seriously because they are generation
ie things that will become commonplace even in a decade or two are unknown to older generations, such as the reluctance of older people today to use smart phones or other similar technology. Our generation simply cannot fully understand the risks as we will not be the primary generation to live with them
b) AI is discussed in the context of science fiction(star wars, star trek, terminator, space odyssey, etc.). Many people may not take AI risks seriously because they see AI as a fantasy that comes out of Hollywood movies.
c) It is difficult to fully visualize and anticipate transformative technologies such as the agricultural revolution and the industrial revolution. For this reason, AI risks cannot be taken seriously
d) AI can make mistakes that no human would – ex creates an image of a horse with five legs. Again, these risks are beyond the comprehension of most people
e) Beyond the Turing Test: I may find it difficult to understand human intent. The current understanding of AI is based on the “computational theory of mind.” – of which the best example is the Turing test. But a Turing test provides evidence of information processing – it does not ask whether the machine can think for itself. Wittgenstein proposed an alternative theory of intelligence based on language.
According to Wittgenstein, language is a tool, and the use and the actions in which the language is woven can be modeled as rules. consisting of language and the actions in which it is woven” and linked by family resemblances (Familienähnlichkeit).
The above provides a different perspective to think about the risks and challenges of artificial intelligence.
References
Artificial intelligence is transforming our world – it’s up to all of us to make sure it goes well
Wittgenstein: Intelligence is never artificial
Image source Artificial intelligence is transforming our world – it’s up to all of us to make sure it goes well
