The Michael Shermer Show The Future of AI: Consciousness and Ethical Dilemmas
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Oct 15, 2024 
Terry Sejnowski, a pioneering computational neuroscientist and Francis Crick Chair at The Salk Institute, discusses the fascinating intersection of AI and human cognition. He probes whether large language models truly understand language or merely reflect human intelligence. Exploring AI's evolution, Sejnowski emphasizes the need for robust definitions and mathematical foundations. He also addresses the ethical dilemmas of AI, such as alignment with human values, biases, and the consequences of superintelligent systems, urging a careful approach to AI development.
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Inadequacy of Current Concepts
- Current AI models reveal the inadequacy of our existing concepts for understanding brain function.
- Words like "intelligence" and "understanding" lack strong scientific definitions, hindering progress.
Need for Mathematical Understanding
- A strong mathematical foundation is crucial for analyzing AI models like ChatGPT.
- This mathematical understanding will offer a better understanding of how our brains work.
Engineers' Role in Deep Learning
- Engineers, not mathematicians or physicists, drove the development of deep learning.
- Similar to the steam engine's development, engineers built it through trial and error.