Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin Artificial intelligence is neither
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Aug 7, 2019 Unpacking AI's historical roots, the discussion reveals how early illusions of intelligence, like the Mechanical Turk, shaped perceptions. Fictional narratives frame AI as both a miracle and a menace, shaping our fears. The conversation pivots to the real human limits AI cannot replicate, emphasizing the need for judgment and emotional labor. Finally, it explores the responsibility humans bear for the consequences of AI, urging ownership of its outputs and inviting listeners to rethink how we engage with technology.
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The Mechanical Turk Illusion
- Wolfgang von Kempelen built a fake chess automaton in 1770 that beat famous people by hiding a human operator inside.
- Seth Godin uses this story to show early tech looked like magic but relied on human intelligence.
Fiction Shapes AI Fears
- Seth recalls early AI in fiction like HAL from 2001 and Westworld to show our cultural fears about intelligent machines.
- These stories frame AI as takeover narratives rather than task-based tools.
AI Is A Moving Definition
- Seth's favorite definition: AI is everything a computer can't do yet.
- The bar moves as tasks once seen as intelligent become routine technology.
