The Daily The Godfather of A.I. Has Some Regrets
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May 30, 2023 
Cade Metz, a technology correspondent for The New York Times, interviews Geoffrey Hinton, the godfather of AI and a pioneer of neural networks. They dive into Hinton's concerns about the harmful potential of AI, including its ability to generate disinformation and displace jobs. The discussion highlights ethical dilemmas tied to AI's military uses and the unintended consequences of rapid technological advancement. Hinton reflects on his regrets regarding AI's impact, echoing broader fears about our evolving relationship with this powerful technology.
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Hinton's Inspiration
- Geoffrey Hinton's interest in AI began in high school after a friend described how the brain stores memories like a hologram.
- This sparked a lifelong pursuit to understand the brain, leading him to study physiology, philosophy, and psychology.
Neural Networks Rediscovered
- Hinton realized that existing understanding of the brain was limited, and traditional AI approaches were flawed.
- This led him to revisit the discarded idea of neural networks, believing they held the key to true AI.
Challenging the Status Quo
- In 1972, Hinton challenged the prevailing symbolic AI approach, arguing it was impractical and didn't reflect how brains learn.
- He championed neural networks, a concept met with skepticism from colleagues who deemed it a "crazy idea."