Bruce Sterling challenges the concept of “artificial intelligence” and suggests that a more appropriate metaphor for advanced computing systems like Siri, Cortana, Now, and Echo would be “actress machines.” He argues that the term “artificial intelligence” is limited and doesn’t reflect the true nature of these systems. Sterling points out that real intelligence has gender … Read more

Rory Sutherland considers the possibility that a malign superintelligence could exist on Earth but is clever enough to conceal its presence and intentions. He suggests that humans might not be very adept at recognizing technological threats due to our evolutionary history. Sutherland points out that throughout evolutionary time, humans primarily faced threats from things roughly … Read more

Matt Ridley emphasizes the transformative power of collective, collaborative, and distributed intelligence over individual thinking in the context of machines that think. He points out that the genius of human intelligence lies in the ability to connect and collaborate with thousands of different people, even though no single individual knows how to create complex products … Read more

Stanislas Dehaene discusses two essential functions that, in his view, are crucial for genuine thinking as we know it and have yet to be fully incorporated into programming for thinking machines: 1. Global Workspace: Dehaene emphasizes the importance of a global workspace in cognitive functions. Current programming often follows a modular approach, where each piece … Read more

Scott Atran highlights that while machines can imitate some human thinking processes and outperform humans on specific tasks, they are unlikely to consistently replicate human creativity. Machines excel at tasks that involve fixed or dynamic outcomes, memorization, data analysis, and pattern recognition. However, Atran argues that they struggle with critically creative human thought processes, particularly … Read more

Gordon Kane expresses a generally positive view about machines that can think. He acknowledges that there is a potential danger in machines making harmful decisions but suggests that this danger is no greater than the risks posed by humans making such decisions. Kane emphasizes that, for him and many others in the field of physics, … Read more

Roger Highfield discusses the evolving relationship between humans and machines, emphasizing the increasing integration of technology into our lives. He highlights the fact that humans have been augmenting themselves with tools and devices throughout history, leading to a seamless blending of human and machine capabilities. Highfield points to various examples of this fusion, including medical … Read more

Eric J. Topol discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable sensors to revolutionize healthcare and disease prevention. He describes how AI, combined with continuous monitoring through wearable devices, will provide unprecedented access to medical data, including vital signs, mood, stress, and environmental exposures. Topol envisions a future where AI algorithms process this vast … Read more

Dylan Evans critiques the preoccupation with the dangers of unfriendly superintelligent AI, suggesting that it is a concern more likely to afflict highly intelligent individuals. He argues that while superintelligent machines do pose potential risks to humanity, there are more immediate and probable threats that should command our attention. Evans introduces the concept of “Pascal’s … Read more

Ursula Martin embarks on a thoughtful journey through a marshland, reflecting on the interconnectedness of nature, history, and human experience. She contemplates the conversation with the past facilitated by the land and its markers, such as stepping-stones and wooden posts, as well as the ever-changing elements like water and weather. She then transitions to pondering … Read more