The transformative potential of AGI — and when it might arrive | Shane Legg and Chris Anderson
Dec 12, 2023
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Shane Legg, cofounder of Google DeepMind, explores the evolution and potential impact of artificial general intelligence (AGI) with Chris Anderson. They discuss the founding of DeepMind, the transformative potential of AGI in various fields, and the need to ensure its safe and ethical development.
Artificial general intelligence (AGI) has the potential to revolutionize scientific research and solve complex problems, such as accurately predicting protein structures for breakthroughs in medicine and biology.
The development of AGI requires caution and careful consideration of safety and ethical implications, necessitating responsible regulation and increased scientific research to align with society's best interests.
Deep dives
The Evolution of AGI
Shane Leg, co-founder of Google DeepMind, discusses the evolution of artificial general intelligence (AGI). AGI refers to a highly capable and general intelligence that can perform a wide range of cognitive tasks. Leg predicts a 50% chance of AGI being developed by 2028. He highlights the potential of AGI in advancing scientific research and solving complex problems. DeepMind's Alpha Fold, for example, can accurately predict protein structures, enabling breakthroughs in medicine and biology. However, Leg also acknowledges the need to address the potential risks and consequences of AGI, emphasizing the importance of understanding and ensuring the safety and ethical implications of this transformative technology.
The Role of DeepMind
Leg shares the story of founding DeepMind and the company's goal to develop artificial general intelligence. From the beginning, their vision was to build the world's first AGI. DeepMind's advancements in machine learning, such as AlphaGo and language models like GPT, demonstrate the potential of AGI. Leg highlights the power of language models in particular, envisioning a future where AGI systems leverage vast amounts of data and become capable of tackling cognitive tasks that humans typically perform. Despite the transformative nature of AGI, Leg recognizes the need to navigate the potential risks and ensure safety throughout its development.
Balancing Optimism and Caution
Leg emphasizes that while he is optimistic about the prospects of AGI, there is also a need for caution. He acknowledges that the arrival of AGI is a profound transition for humanity, similar to the emergence of human intelligence. The wide-ranging implications and potential consequences of AGI are not fully understood. Leg believes that as we approach AGI development, we will gain more knowledge and understanding, enabling us to design safer and more ethical AI systems. However, he also acknowledges the possibility of negative outcomes, such as the misuse of AGI for destabilizing purposes or the creation of existential risks. Leg advocates for responsible regulation and increased scientific research to ensure AGI's development aligns with the best interests of society.
As the cofounder of Google DeepMind, Shane Legg is driving one of the greatest transformations in history: the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI). He envisions a system with human-like intelligence that would be exponentially smarter than today's AI, with limitless possibilities and applications. In conversation with head of TED Chris Anderson, Legg explores the evolution of AGI, what the world might look like when it arrives — and how to ensure it's built safely and ethically.