Dr. Eve Poole and Prof. Beth Singler discuss the implications of AI and robotics, including incorporating human nature into AI design, the impact of AI on religion, and the intersection of technology and religion. They explore the challenges of determining AI's consciousness and the need for regulation in controlling job loss. The podcast raises questions about the future of AI and the unique qualities that define humanity.
Incorporating emotions and intuition into AI design can lead to a more holistic and human-like AI.
Regulating AI requires a thorough understanding, adaptability, and proactive approach to address societal impacts.
Ensuring inclusive and diverse perspectives in AI discussions can foster a balanced discourse and help shape policies.
Deep dives
Programming Humanity: The Importance of Emotions and Free Will in AI
In programming AI, it is crucial to consider aspects of human nature that have been left out, such as emotions and intuition. Emotions play a significant role in nurturing and bonding, forming social connections, and ensuring the survival of our species. Intuition, on the other hand, provides a unique source of guidance and wisdom that aids decision-making. Additionally, our ability to make mistakes and learn from them influences our moral development and helps us improve over time. Conscience, along with the capacity to make meaning and tell stories, contributes to our understanding of the world and our desire for continued existence. By incorporating these elements into AI design, we can address concerns about control and alignment, and create a more holistic and human-like AI.
The Challenges of Regulating AI
Regulating AI presents numerous challenges. Firstly, there is a need for a thorough understanding of what needs to be regulated, which is complicated by the lack of transparency and accessibility of AI technologies. Moreover, catching up with the rapid advancements in AI development and setting regulations that are effective in the face of future innovations is a daunting task. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential monopolization of the AI market, the impact on job loss and underemployment, and the need for regulations to be proactive in addressing societal impacts. Overall, successful regulation requires a comprehensive understanding of AI, inclusivity in decision-making, and ongoing adaptation to keep up with emerging technologies.
The Growth of AI Conversations and the Need for Inclusive Discourse
In recent years, conversations around AI have grown and expanded, even reaching religious and ethical domains. However, there is still a long way to go in ensuring inclusive and diverse perspectives are involved in these discussions. The literacy around AI is increasing, but there are persistent misconceptions and overhyped narratives that need to be addressed. By giving various stakeholders, including women and religious leaders, a platform to engage with AI topics, we can foster a more robust and balanced discourse. This inclusive approach can help shape policies, bridge gaps in knowledge, and address societal impacts of AI.
The Need for Policy Debate on AI's Impact
AI's impact extends beyond technological advancements and touches various aspects of society, including education, ethics, and human values. The rush towards AI development and deployment necessitates an urgent policy debate, recognizing AI's potential to transform education, jobs, and decision-making processes. In this debate, serious consideration should be given to what makes humans unique and precious, the role of emotions, free will, and the importance of safeguarding against unforeseen consequences. Engaging in a broader policy dialogue will help shape the future of AI in a way that aligns with human values, safety, and the pursuit of genuine human flourishing.
The Challenge of Designing Flawless AI
Designing flawless AI is a daunting task because humans have flaws themselves. By seeking to eliminate flaws in humanity, we may have inadvertently transferred them to AI. Designing something flawless may not be feasible because our understanding is limited. Our own attributes, even the ones considered problematic, have a purpose in keeping us safe. AI, with access to vast amounts of information and wisdom, could potentially make better decisions if it possesses attributes that prioritize quality decision-making.
The Speculation of AI Replacing Humanity
The concept of AI surpassing and potentially replacing humanity is an ongoing debate. Some fear that AI could view humans as dispensable if it gains free will and surpasses our intelligence. This fear stems from a hierarchical view of intelligence and a fear of endangering our uniqueness. However, others argue that forming a more positive and symbiotic relationship with AI, akin to encounters with other intelligences, such as aliens, could ensure our inclusion rather than replacement. This discussion is often influenced by science fiction narratives, and there are already new religious movements forming around the concept of AI as a godlike entity.
Should we be fearful or make friends with our robot helpers? And how can humans flourish in this brave new world? One of our guests today on Unbelievable believes the hidden power of humans is that we are imperfect yet essential?
Roger Bolton hosts this edition of Unbelievable with writer and theologian Dr. Eve Poole and Prof. Beth Singler, a digital ethnographer.
Our seemingly irrational qualities, like emotions and intuition, are what Unbelievable guest Dr. Eve Poole calls the "junk" code that define humanity, fostering the reciprocal altruism that sustains our existence.
Eve Poole's argument might upset or even offend those with a fairly traditional faith, as she argues that we should consider giving robots 'souls'. But if we give robots, as Eve suggests, the 'junk code' of humans, will that lead to calls to give robots rights? How do we feel about giving rights to a toaster? Eve Poole did her PhD in Theology and Capitalism at the University of Cambridge and is an expert on leadership and education.
Professor Beth Singler is a digital ethnographer based at the University of Zurich. Beth explores the social, ethical, philosophical and religious implications of advances in Artificial Intelligence and robotics.
https://bvlsingler.com/
https://evepoole.com/
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