Post by Chris Garrett on Oct 22, 2016 7:21:00 GMT
1. Do you think artificial intelligence will be a significant problem in the future?
While artificial intelligence could have extraordinary benefits for humanity, its potential to grow out of our control is too great to be taken lightly. I think Nick Bostrom perfectly illustrates the situation with the phrase “we are but little children playing with a nuclear bomb that at present we are ill equipped to handle.” Einstein’s Wastebasket(Pg.34) John Searle objects strong artificial intelligence and asserts that computers simulate conscious understanding but do not have it. Unless we could figure out how to program a code of ethics and morals, like in the idea of Artificial General Intelligence, I think AI will remain a risky endeavor. Though not related AI, an interesting point is brought up in The Avatar Project. We’ve entered a technological era that has us forever tethered to our smart phones and mobile devices, which I believe will bring problems of its own.
2. How has technology impacted your life?
Technology has impacted my life to the point where it would be hard to imagine life without it. It has allowed me to take this class without ever having to leave my house. The internet and Web allow me to share and receive information globally within a matter of seconds. My cell phone has become a pocket-sized, all-inclusive phone, camera, calculator, alarm clock, map and so much more; and has more computing power than the computers that sent astronauts to the moon. With all the extraordinary technological advances we’ve seen over the last 100 years, it’s exciting to think that this is only the beginning.
While artificial intelligence could have extraordinary benefits for humanity, its potential to grow out of our control is too great to be taken lightly. I think Nick Bostrom perfectly illustrates the situation with the phrase “we are but little children playing with a nuclear bomb that at present we are ill equipped to handle.” Einstein’s Wastebasket(Pg.34) John Searle objects strong artificial intelligence and asserts that computers simulate conscious understanding but do not have it. Unless we could figure out how to program a code of ethics and morals, like in the idea of Artificial General Intelligence, I think AI will remain a risky endeavor. Though not related AI, an interesting point is brought up in The Avatar Project. We’ve entered a technological era that has us forever tethered to our smart phones and mobile devices, which I believe will bring problems of its own.
2. How has technology impacted your life?
Technology has impacted my life to the point where it would be hard to imagine life without it. It has allowed me to take this class without ever having to leave my house. The internet and Web allow me to share and receive information globally within a matter of seconds. My cell phone has become a pocket-sized, all-inclusive phone, camera, calculator, alarm clock, map and so much more; and has more computing power than the computers that sent astronauts to the moon. With all the extraordinary technological advances we’ve seen over the last 100 years, it’s exciting to think that this is only the beginning.