Can Myth Teach Us Anything About the Race to Build Artificial General Intelligence? With Josh Schrei
Jan 18, 2024
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Josh Schrei, mythologist and host of The Emerald podcast, discusses how myths and stories can guide ethical tech development by reminding us what it is to be human. The podcast explores the motivations behind AI development, the entwined relationship between AI and cultural myths, and the religious aspects of the AI discussion. It also highlights the power of stories in shaping beliefs, the importance of embodying ethics and navigating relationships, and the responsibilities and consequences in the race to build AGI.
Examining AI through the lens of mythology helps us understand the deeper human drives and potential implications of wielding its powers.
Building AI requires not just intelligence, but also wisdom and ethical responsibility to avoid unforeseen consequences and negative impacts.
Deep dives
The Motivation Behind AI Development
A small group of individuals at the core of AGI development are driven by a deep desire to meet and interact with the most intelligent entity ever created. They view the creation of AI as a religious or mythical pursuit, seeking new godlike powers and having an ego-religious belief that they will be part of this entity. Their drive to build AI is not solely rational, but rather a pursuit of mystery and the excitement of unleashing something unpredictable.
The Role of Myth in Understanding AI
Myth is a useful tool in exploring the promise and perils of AI. The powers discussed in relation to AI, such as creating alternate realities or influencing millions of people, are akin to mythic powers that have never been accessible to humans before. By examining AI through the lens of mythology, we can better understand the deeper human drives and the potential implications of wielding such powers. The narratives and stories surrounding AI shape our values and identity, influencing how we approach its development.
Recognizing the Need for Wisdom in AI Development
Rather than solely focusing on technical and policy solutions for AI, we must also consider the need for wisdom in wielding this power. Intelligence alone is not enough, as it must be embodied and used responsibly. Building AI without the wisdom to guide its development can lead to unforeseen consequences and exacerbate existing issues, as seen with the negative impact of social media. The emphasis should not be solely on solving intelligence, but on developing the maturity to wield it wisely and ethically.
The Importance of Initiation and Responsible Growth
The story of the Sorcerer's Apprentice serves as a cautionary tale for AI development. It highlights the need for initiation and responsible growth. Elders or experienced individuals in the field should provide guidance, ensuring that young developers do not rush into creating AI without fully comprehending the consequences and potential risks involved. Similarly, the apprentice must reflect on their motivations and seek environments that foster responsible growth. We need a collective recognition of the interplay between human drives, ecological consequences, the embodiment of ethics, and striving for long-term success.
We usually talk about tech in terms of economics or policy, but the casual language tech leaders often use to describe AI — summoning an inanimate force with the powers of code — sounds more... magical. So, what can myth and magic teach us about the AI race? Josh Schrei, mythologist and host of The Emerald podcast, says that foundational cultural tales like "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" or Prometheus teach us the importance of initiation, responsibility, human knowledge, and care. He argues these stories and myths can guide ethical tech development by reminding us what it is to be human.
Correction: Josh says the first telling of "The Sorcerer’s Apprentice" myth dates back to ancient Egypt, but it actually dates back to ancient Greece.
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