219 - Joscha Bach: Consciousness, Artificial Intelligence, and the Threat of AI Apocalypse
Robinson's Podcast
The Speculative Future of Intelligence and Civilization's Challenges
The speculation surrounding non-biological intelligence raises critical questions about its potential to become agentic and outperform humanity in various capacities. Some propose that the collective intelligence of Earth's biosphere, referred to as Gaia, may surpass human intelligence, yet this remains largely unobserved due to the slow processes involved in ecological interactions. Additionally, the sustainability of current human civilization comes into question, as it relies heavily on fossil fuels, despite advancements in renewable energy. Current trends indicate a persistent increase in fossil fuel consumption, undermining efforts toward sustainability and exacerbating environmental issues. The probability of civilization facing severe challenges is significant if better information processing solutions, potentially aided by artificial intelligence, are not implemented. The risk of regression to a less civilized existence looms without effective intervention, emphasizing the uniqueness of today's privileged human condition. Moreover, there is a possibility that responsible deployment of AI could provide the necessary tools to navigate and correct these challenges, reinforcing the argument that losing control over technology is not a predetermined outcome.
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