Intelligence Squared Power Trip: The Age of AI
Oct 12, 2023
Michael Wooldridge, a professor at the University of Oxford and Director of Foundational AI Research at the Alan Turing Institute, dives deep into the transformative journey of artificial intelligence. He discusses the rapid emergence of AI technologies like ChatGPT and their societal implications. The podcast highlights the shift from narrow to generative AI and examines historical influences like military funding that shape tech innovation. Wooldridge also explores the unpredictable nature of AI development, raising questions about its future impact on jobs and ethical concerns.
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Defining AI
- Defining AI is complex, with varying perspectives from Hollywood's general AI to the more technical narrow AI.
- Narrow AI focuses on machines performing specific tasks requiring human-like intelligence, like translation or driving.
AI's History of Failed Ideas
- AI's history is filled with failed ideas, from ancient myths to Alan Turing's test and the AI winter of the 1970s.
- Early approaches like expert systems had limitations, but neural networks started showing promise around 2005.
Early AI Interaction
- Carl Miller recalls his first interaction with a primitive therapy chatbot named Eliza.
- Though basic, Eliza's attempt at human-like conversation was a notable early experience with AI interaction.
