The advancement of artificial intelligence, particularly towards robust AI systems, raises concerns and intriguing possibilities, according to Paul Saffo. Saffo acknowledges that the complexity and rapid pace of technological innovation have made the world increasingly difficult to comprehend and manage. Narrow AI systems are already prevalent in various aspects of our lives, from art creation … Read more

Lawrence M. Krauss shares his perspective on artificial intelligence and its potential impact. He doesn’t share the concerns of some about AI and instead sees opportunities for improvement and insights into consciousness. Krauss begins by pointing out that creating thinking computers will require a digital architecture different from current computers and that they are unlikely … Read more

William Poundstone reflects on the question of whether machines can think and the relevance of that question. He likens it to asking whether submarines can swim, emphasizing that the focus on how closely machine intelligence can duplicate human intelligence might not be the real point. Poundstone acknowledges that machine intelligence can take various directions and … Read more

Brian Knutson explores the concept of agency in machines and why it’s important for humans to consider machines as agents rather than automata. He discusses the distinguishing features of agents, which include the ability to act based on their own agendas, the ability to infer others’ feelings and thoughts, and the presence of specialized neural … Read more

Moshe Hoffman explores the hypothetical scenario in which AI systems develop a system of rights and government similar to that of humans. He envisions a world where AI entities demand rights, including the right not to be taken offline and the freedom to choose which processes to run. Hoffman introduces a satirical tone by suggesting … Read more

Andy Clark challenges the notion that emerging learning machines, which utilize deep learning algorithms to mine big data for complex problem-solving, will lead to alien forms of intelligence. He proposes that as these machines learn more, they may end up thinking in ways that resemble human thought processes and even apply emotional and ethical labels … Read more

Tim O’Reilly discusses the common assumption that artificial intelligence (AI) is often portrayed as individual consciousness, similar to human self-awareness. However, he challenges this perspective by proposing that AI could be more like a multicellular organism, beyond the prokaryote nature of human consciousness. He extends this metaphor by suggesting that humans might be like the … Read more

Susan Blackmore proposes that human thinking is influenced by memes, which have shaped our brains and thought processes over time. Similarly, she believes that machines are evolving to think in their own way, influenced by the next replicator, which is taking over digital technology and creating its own thinking machines. Blackmore challenges the idea that … Read more

Robert Provine argues that we should not fear future clashes between humanity and machines, even as machines become more competent and intelligent. Humans possess qualities like cunning, deception, revenge, suspicion, and unpredictability, which machines lack. These qualities, often considered irrational, can be adaptive and lead to creative solutions. Human sociality and collective intelligence are valuable … Read more

Mark Pagel asserts that full-blown artificial intelligence should not be perceived as an existential threat to humanity. He argues that machines, as they advance in intelligence, will not develop inherent qualities like evilness or self-interest, which are typical of living organisms driven by self-preservation. Unlike living creatures, machines lack the innate desire for self-preservation and … Read more