Among all the various “takes” I’ve consumed on AI, neuroscientist Anil Seth’s fifteen-minute TED talk on “Why AI Isn’t Going To Become Conscious” stands out for its timeliness and its celebration of humanity.
There has indeed been a bit of an AI frenzy. I agree the anthropomorphizing is not helpful. Though I also conceed that AI capabilities are leap frogging ahead, with human-like abilities we didn't earlier think possible. So it's a narrowing wedge.
The solution of holding people accountable - who exactly, a coder? or security specialist who didn't think of a particular outcome? An executive who didn't understand it to begin with, and who can afford to lawyer up? The USA has a poor record in this area.
In China after the Sanlu melamine scandal, two suppliers were executed and the chairwoman received life imprisonment. The takeaway being that in spite of harsher outcomes than you'll ever see in the U.S., they did it anyway.
The companies who create/sell the software should be held liable. I’m not nearly knowledgeable enough to suggest how to write and enforce the laws but it seems really important to have some product liability standard.
The reassuring part is that AI isn’t conscious. The less reassuring part is that plenty of people writing about it seem determined to give it a personality anyway…. Another great Saturday morning read David!
David. You always grab my attention. This morning. You lost me at AI. I’ll stick with Good Will Hunting’s really real. I put that moment in a knapsack.. good morning from a distance away from madding . Suttons Bay MI. Your faithful reader.
Like so many other developments, there is much to feel optimistic about with AI. Unfortunately, without reasonable regulation, it can become harmful and dangerous to many. And misused. Think prescription drugs, think automobile and aircraft safety, think stock market, think monopolies. We (our country) need to be a leader here (both in capability and safeguards). This is one area where it would be great if politics were put aside and we all worked together in the interest of the common good.
Thanks David. Yes I watched Anil's talk too as a Ted subscriber and long time Seth fan, and thought is excellent too. After which I said to myself, 'this needs to be linked (by AI if you like) and put in front of everyone, who's just got the idea from the frenzied media reports that AI are / is conscious!'
Just another example of attempting to control the mind numbed masses who believe what they are 'told' and don't bother to go read or learn more in order to believe or dispute it.
I wrote this comment on Garry Marcus's recent Substack post:
Here's another problem with anthropomorphizing AI: Since we recognize it's impossible and a unwise to attempt to control human behavior completely, we will throw up our hands at controlling AI. Just as boys must be boys, AI must be AI/bots will be bots. We will even sneak alcohol for them behind the barn.
Actually, right now the tech bros are the boys who demand freedom from any adult control. Don't stifle creativity!
There has indeed been a bit of an AI frenzy. I agree the anthropomorphizing is not helpful. Though I also conceed that AI capabilities are leap frogging ahead, with human-like abilities we didn't earlier think possible. So it's a narrowing wedge.
The solution of holding people accountable - who exactly, a coder? or security specialist who didn't think of a particular outcome? An executive who didn't understand it to begin with, and who can afford to lawyer up? The USA has a poor record in this area.
In China after the Sanlu melamine scandal, two suppliers were executed and the chairwoman received life imprisonment. The takeaway being that in spite of harsher outcomes than you'll ever see in the U.S., they did it anyway.
The companies who create/sell the software should be held liable. I’m not nearly knowledgeable enough to suggest how to write and enforce the laws but it seems really important to have some product liability standard.
The reassuring part is that AI isn’t conscious. The less reassuring part is that plenty of people writing about it seem determined to give it a personality anyway…. Another great Saturday morning read David!
Thanks Carson!
David. You always grab my attention. This morning. You lost me at AI. I’ll stick with Good Will Hunting’s really real. I put that moment in a knapsack.. good morning from a distance away from madding . Suttons Bay MI. Your faithful reader.
Like so many other developments, there is much to feel optimistic about with AI. Unfortunately, without reasonable regulation, it can become harmful and dangerous to many. And misused. Think prescription drugs, think automobile and aircraft safety, think stock market, think monopolies. We (our country) need to be a leader here (both in capability and safeguards). This is one area where it would be great if politics were put aside and we all worked together in the interest of the common good.
Thanks David. Yes I watched Anil's talk too as a Ted subscriber and long time Seth fan, and thought is excellent too. After which I said to myself, 'this needs to be linked (by AI if you like) and put in front of everyone, who's just got the idea from the frenzied media reports that AI are / is conscious!'
Just another example of attempting to control the mind numbed masses who believe what they are 'told' and don't bother to go read or learn more in order to believe or dispute it.
I wrote this comment on Garry Marcus's recent Substack post:
Here's another problem with anthropomorphizing AI: Since we recognize it's impossible and a unwise to attempt to control human behavior completely, we will throw up our hands at controlling AI. Just as boys must be boys, AI must be AI/bots will be bots. We will even sneak alcohol for them behind the barn.
Actually, right now the tech bros are the boys who demand freedom from any adult control. Don't stifle creativity!