Passive engagement is unsafe. Underlying any cause are values upheld by its advocators.
Over the course of human history, several transformations has occurred in every facet of human endeavour. All of these transformations are fueled by the need for a better living experience, in the quest to do things efficiently, with less effort and in short periods of time. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution is not short of these prospects.
A fundamental requirement to being relevant, at any level, in any major change, is to be informed and educated about what it entails. 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity by John C. Lennox is a valuable resource to that effect. On the aspect of the ethical issues associated with AI is the basis for the expositions laid bare in this phenomenal piece of literature. Tungchamma Lengdung in his undergraduate research work, entitled Ethical Issues in Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria, notes that 'Ethical issues arise from the fact that human beings are fallible and [are] likely to pursue their individual interests which may not always be right'. Lennox states the necessity for his contribution to the ongoing discourse about the ethical issues around AI: 'It is clear that one does not need to know how to build an autonomous vehicle or weapon in order to have an informed view about the ethics of deploying such things'.
John Carson Lennox (1943-to date) is a British professor emeritus of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, a bioethicist, and Christian apologist. Leveraging his experience in mathematics and philosophy of science, he offers an informative and insightful exposition on the subject, AI and its related ethical issues.
Stretching over 200 pages, divided into 13 chapters, the author discusses the history of AI; from its conception, its current provisions, to its implications for humanity.
From chapter one, the reader learns about, amongst other things, when the term "AI" was coined and what it entails. Alluding to a summer school organised in 1956 at the Mathematics department of Dartmouth University, the organiser, John McCarthy, was quoted to have said, "AI is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines". The application of AI in use today provides a foundational conception of what the term entails. Consider the system that facilitates recommendations on Facebook, YouTube or Amazon to a user, amongst several other use-cases where a machine does a task that ordinarily requires human intelligence for execution. Tungchamma (2020) describes AI as '. . . the invisible infrastructure that controls ads used by e-commerce services, directs traffic, provide insight to teachers in schools and facilitates the manner in which social media platforms functions'.
Lennox cited works by experts in AI and beyound, those related to the content, to help provide a proper conception of issues dealt with in 2084. While acknowledging the benefits offered by existing AI systems (termed "Narrow AI"), Lennox calls the reader to probe deeper what the implications are and also those posed by broader and advanced AI systems ( termed "Artificial General Intelligence; AGI") against common human values. He expounded terms such as "Surveillance Capitalism", "Surveillance Communism", "What it means to be human", and the "Homo Deus project". He points thus early enough in the book: 'Systems have to have values built in, and someone has to decide what those values are'.
The book discusses so much than can be summarised in a brief review. This is a recommended read for anyone interested in learning about how AI impacts human values; its sociological, biological, and economic implications. This would help the believer or sceptic, scientist or layman, administrators or compatriots, programmers or users of AI products, across the globe, understand where they stand in the future projected by advancements in AI and what roles they can play in confronting the ethical issues posed by AI.
Playing Luddite is a lost cause. Ignorance is not permissible.
Do you know any book that discusses ethical issues posed by AI? Or any related works? You can share the title in the comment.
You must be wondering what "2084" entails. Read the book to find out. You can borrow a copy @Book-Troverts
'The big question to be faced is: How can an ethical dimension be built into an algorithm that is itself devoid of heart, soul, and mind?'
#Books #2084 #ArtificialIntelligence #Ethics #Humanity
Wow. Crafted to deliver a pleasing read-through as usual.
I'm moved to believe people often deviate from engaging notes as this 'cause they hold in mind; contents propounded within causes humans to deviate from basic functions. Mostly, introspection. From deliberate speeches to automated responses.
From the advanced insights offered by this book, what can you say about this perception? Should we willingly embrace AI and accept it's "impeding" advancement?