216 - Guest: John Danaher, Law Professor in AI Ethics, part 2
Aug 5, 2024
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Joining the conversation is John Danaher, a senior lecturer in law at the University of Galway and author of "Automation and Utopia," who brings insights into the transformative effects of generative AI on society. He discusses the Luddite Fallacy, the dual nature of AI in enhancing or hindering cognition, and the future of work amid increasing automation. Interesting comparisons are made about economic impacts on job structures, along with musings on class divides and even a nod to Taylor Swift. It's a thought-provoking discussion on technology's role in our lives.
Generative AI poses a duality in human interaction, potentially enhancing cognition or leading to reliance and cognitive atrophy among users.
The evolution of jobs due to automation suggests an unpredictable future, where lower-skilled workers might benefit from AI despite concerns of inequality.
Deep dives
The Impact of Generative AI on Human Cognition
Generative AI models create a unique interaction dynamic between humans and technology, akin to the relationship seen with cognitive tools. These tools can either enhance human cognitive abilities, resembling the interactivity of an abacus, or act as a mere outsourcing device, similar to a digital calculator. The interaction here is heavily influenced by how users engage with AI—for instance, students may overly rely on it to complete assignments without understanding the underlying concepts. This duality raises concerns regarding cognitive atrophy and the implications for the educational system as students may opt for the simpler, less engaging interactions.
Automation's Influence on Job Market and Inequality
Automation raises significant discussions about its impact on jobs, with historical trends suggesting that technology replaces certain jobs while creating new opportunities. However, recent studies, including the one by Asimov-Glu and Estrepo, challenge this notion by highlighting that robot workers may displace human workers rather than facilitate job creation. Current economic realities indicate a decline in workforce participation, with many adults potentially left out of the job market due to rapid technological advancements. The pace of change in technology complicates the retraining of displaced workers, as the jobs of tomorrow may not align with existing skill sets, making the future of employment increasingly unpredictable.
Class Stratification in the Age of AI
The changing landscape of work due to AI has prompted a re-evaluation of class structures and economic stratification. Historically, technological advances have led to a polarization of job markets, with a decline in middle-skill jobs and an increase in unskilled labor. Contrary to expectations that generative AI might worsen inequality, recent research suggests it could potentially benefit lower-skilled workers by enhancing productivity in their roles. This emerging narrative indicates that less skilled workers may gain advantages from AI tools, challenging the prevailing belief that technology solely favors the more educated or experienced sectors of the workforce.
Utopian Visions in a High-Tech Future
The potential future shaped by technology raises pertinent questions about human flourishing and the risks of a stagnant society dominated by convenience. Satirical depictions, such as those in the film 'WALL-E', prompt reflection on how technological advancements might lead to passivity rather than growth. Differentiating between prescriptive and dynamic models of utopia, there is a call for a more open, evolving vision of society that embraces diverse possibilities rather than constraining them. This perspective underscores the importance of ensuring that technology serves to expand human capabilities and enrich lives, rather than reducing them to mere patterns of consumption.
Is work heading for utopia? My guest today is John Danaher, senior lecturer in law at the University of Galway and author of the 2019 book, Automation and Utopia: Human Flourishing in a World without Work, which is an amazingly broad discourse on the future of work ranging from today’s immediate issues to the different kinds of utopia – or dystopia, depending on your viewpoint – ultimately possible when automation becomes capable of replicating everything that humans do.
John has published over 40 papers on topics including the risks of advanced AI, the meaning of life in the future of work, the ethics of human enhancement, the intersection of law and neuroscience, the utility of brain-based lie detection, and the philosophy of religion. He is co-editor of Robot Sex: Social And Ethical Implications from MIT Press, and his work has appeared in The Guardian, Aeon, and The Philosopher’s Magazine.
In the conclusion of the interview we talk about generative AI extending our minds, the Luddite Fallacy and why this time things will be different, the effects of automation on class structure, and… Taylor Swift.
All this plus our usual look at today's AI headlines.