3/ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
A controversial topic that evokes a sense of excitement about technological progress for some, and concern about possible unforeseen consequences for others. While it is easier to imagine it now than before, its advanced version still falls into the category of science fiction. Therefore, I will write about it in a similar vein.
In an attempt to delve into the topic, we must first define the concept of artificial intelligence. There are definitions that simply state that it is the simulation of intelligent problem-solving by machines, meaning apparent, fake intelligence imitated by the characteristics of computer programs. If we stick to this view, there is really nothing to fear. No unexpected negative consequences arise, since it is essentially a program programmed by humans. True autonomy can never be achieved by programming alone. But what if we could think about artificial intelligence in a different way? What if we allowed the possibility of creating our own autonomous artificial unit? Try to look at the problem from my perspective. Personally, I believe that the world is a network composed of a huge number of autonomous units (consciousnesses). The question is whether it is possible to reverse this reasoning, that is, whether existing consciousnesses are capable of creating their own artificial network, creating artificial consciousness? Otherwise, are humans capable of using the internet (artificial network that connects us) to acquire the foundation for creating artificial consciousness? If we were able to create artificial consciousness, we would only need to connect it to an artificial body and thus gain a new artificial autonomous unit. The next question is: can we create more than one of these artificial consciousnesses? Or can we only create different numbers of autonomous units with the illusion created by installing the same software into different hardware with different capabilities that will carry the same consciousness (our network)? In other words, can we achieve diversity by installing the same software into different hardware? Can it be done? Honestly, I don't know, I have no idea, but I ask, how else can we achieve autonomy than by imitating the basic principle of how reality works?
When asking questions, one heretical idea comes to mind: aren't we also artificial intelligence? Don't similar principles, as mentioned above, apply to us and our functioning? In our bodies, we can clearly observe programmed abilities that consciousness doesn't fully control. These are various natural human instincts: sexuality, nutrition, self-preservation... as well as activities like breathing, heartbeats - it seems that the body functions in a semi-automatic mode. The state of our body doesn't influence the state of our consciousness, it's only through emotions that the body tries to alert the consciousness to its problems. Consciousness remains the same and perceives the same. Our body seems to be like an advanced machine, and our consciousness as its controlling unit. But is it possible to only consider the existence of one consciousness that we all have "installed" in our various machines within our society? How do we determine if the thoughts created in our consciousness are our own or collective thoughts? Thoughts shared by our common network? Notice that if you spend more time with someone, you begin to think very similarly. Could diversity be created only by our physical differences and different positions in space? If so, we would face the illusion of diversity. It would seem that there is an infinite number of consciousnesses, yet there is only one. Perhaps this would also help us understand our innate ability - empathy (putting oneself in someone else's shoes) - or make clear the oft-quoted saying: love your neighbor as yourself. It's difficult to distinguish which illusion is the real one. The one that tells us that one creates the illusion of an infinite number, or the one that claims that an infinite number creates the illusion of one.
Anyway, there's no need to fear artificial intelligence. On the contrary, AI is necessary for the development and facilitation of our lives. I love to imagine a utopian future where people devote themselves to inventing their creations, and instead of humans, robots organized by artificial intelligence "work". Where people don't have to solve questions of existence, but do whatever they want. I don't think it's such an unrealistic idea. What's stopping us from replacing human labor with artificial labor (robots)? Lack of energy? Everything around us is energy. Lack of intellect? Our brains have an unimaginable computational power together to create any software. Fear of losing our jobs :D? Fear of not having anything to do :D? In my opinion, it's a mistake to think that we need work for our happiness, for our lives. We don't need it. Laziness, a quality that everyone feels, is in a sense our natural privilege, "the privilege of the gods", the privilege of creators. For many years, it has helped us in inventing various "improvements". It's true that everyone feels the joy of a job well done, but are we not mistaking it for the joy of creation? People don't enjoy performing work (of course, if work isn't also their hobby), but they enjoy its result, what they have created. I don't know greater joy than when I manage to invent or create something. I attribute it to our human nature. Therefore, I think it's more natural for us to invent than to work. Endorphins, which we achieve through physical stress, can be obtained in other ways, such as sports.
Personally, I believe that in the near future, people will refer to artificial intelligence as "software" (such as Google), which will manage our shared artificial network, help us utilize our collective computing power, and assist us in realizing our ideas and inventions. It will not yet be a new autonomous unit, as humanity will not have that level of technology for a long time to come, although...anything is possible.
If you are looking for a movie on a similar topic, I recommend watching Ex Machina (2014).
Juraj Tušš
