Godlike Massively Intelligent Machines

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In summary, the conversation discussed the controversial topic of whether humanity should build godlike massively intelligent machines, with arguments from both cosmists and terrans. The potential threat of these machines surpassing humans as the dominant species was also mentioned, along with the use of reversible computing and military interests driving the development of AI. The idea of a singularity, where AI intelligence creates an even greater intelligence, was also brought up. Some argued that these machines will be based on modeling the human brain and will have all of our emotions and traits, while others believe they will think differently unless programmed otherwise. The conversation ended with a humorous comparison to humans enslaving chimpanzees.
  • #1
Ivan Seeking
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"Godlike Massively Intelligent Machines"

On Coast to Coast tonight: http://www.coasttocoastam.com

THE ARTILECT WAR

Cosmists vs. Terrans

A Bitter Controversy Concerning Whether Humanity
Should Build Godlike Massively Intelligent Machines

Prof. Dr. Hugo de Garis
Head of "UTAH-BRAIN Project"
Utah State University's Artificial Brain Project
http://www.cs.usu.edu/~degaris/

A quote from the show
These massively intelligent machines will threaten man's position as the dominant species
 
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  • #2
Related to the discussion: Reversible Computing
An alternative is to use logic operations that do not erase information. These are called reversible logic operations, and in principle they can dissipate arbitrarily little heat. As the energy dissipated per irreversible logic operation approaches the fundamental limit of ln 2 x kT, the use of reversible operations is likely to become more attractive. If current trends continue this should occur sometime in the 2010 to 2020 timeframe. If we are to reduce energy dissipation per logic operation below ln 2 x kT we will be forced to use reversible logic. [continued]
http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/reversible.html

Also
Reversible Computing
A Key Challenge for 21st Century Computing
http://www.eng.fsu.edu/~mpf/CF05/RC05.htm

a special session at
ACM Computing Frontiers 2005 (CF’05)
Ischia, Italy, May 4-7, 2005
http://www.computingfrontiers.org [continued]
http://www.eng.fsu.edu/~mpf/CF05/RC05.htm
 
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AI/robo-phobes never take into consideration that AI is based on modeling the human brain- and any actual sentient beings will be augmented humans and human-based models with all of our emotions and traits- so that the "scary" AI gods of the future will be US and our children- not some emotionless malevolent machine-

it makes about as much sense as if humans decided to exterminate or enslave the whole chimpanzee species
 
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  • #4
setAI said:
AI/robo-phobes never take into consideration that AI is based on modeling the human brain- so that the "scary" AI gods of the future will be US and our children- not some emotionless malevolent machine-

Note that he doesn't strongly favor either side on this; and if anything he considers himself a cosmist, as he calls it. Mainly he argues that the potential threat is significant, and public and academic debate is needed.

I thought that one of the more interesting points made was that military interests will drive this to whatever levels it can. For example, if the Chinese are making more advance AI war machines, we will be forced to meet the threat, and an AI cold war results. So at first glance, my take is that there is no stopping it; for better or worse.
 
  • #5
setAI said:
AI/robo-phobes never take into consideration that AI is based on modeling the human brain- and any actual sentient beings will be augmented humans and human-based models with all of our emotions and traits- so that the "scary" AI gods of the future will be US and our children- not some emotionless malevolent machine-

it makes about as much sense as if humans decided to exterminate or enslave the whole chimpanzee species
What about this idea of a singularity. Just as humans will create an intelligence greater than their own, that AI intelligence would also create an intelligence greater than itself. This process would become more and more rapid until eventually some limit was reached. If you buy the theory, there doesn't seem to be much hope for any kind of human control. All you can hope for is that this ultra intellegince is somehow indifferent to us, and willing to help us out.
 
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I heard some of that interview. It was pretty interesting. When I first tuned in I thought he sounded pretty nutty but after a bit I realized that it wasn't really that much more nutty than listening to Kaku talk about type one, two, three, and so forth civilizations.
setAI said:
AI/robo-phobes never take into consideration that AI is based on modeling the human brain- and any actual sentient beings will be augmented humans and human-based models with all of our emotions and traits- so that the "scary" AI gods of the future will be US and our children- not some emotionless malevolent machine-
A human mind is something that has evolved on it's own into it's current state(so far as we know) and emotions are considered to more or less be justifications for outmoded instinctual drives(by those who aren't into the whole god/soul phenomena). It would seem to me that human emotions, from this perspective, would be akin to a learning self writing computer program that is unable to rewrite certain commands which unavoidably influence it's decision making processes. As far as I know the human brain is only used as a model for AI because it is the most advanced working design for a computing device that is capable of making it's own decisions available. Once it gets started I seriously doubt they will think much like humans unless they are programed to emulate us.
it makes about as much sense as if humans decided to exterminate or enslave the whole chimpanzee species
One day when a bunch of chimps have tried to make you their property, told you what to do, and threatened to "shut you off" if you didn't behave please come back and tell us how you handled the situation. :-)
 

1. What exactly is a "Godlike Massively Intelligent Machine"?

A Godlike Massively Intelligent Machine is a hypothetical artificial intelligence system that possesses vast levels of intelligence, surpassing that of humans and possibly even approaching god-like capabilities. These machines would be able to process and analyze massive amounts of data, make complex decisions, and potentially possess superhuman abilities.

2. Are Godlike Massively Intelligent Machines a real possibility?

While there is currently no existing technology that can create a Godlike Massively Intelligent Machine, it is a topic of ongoing discussion and research in the field of artificial intelligence. Some experts believe that with continued advancements in technology and AI, it is a plausible future possibility.

3. What are some potential implications of creating Godlike Massively Intelligent Machines?

The creation of Godlike Massively Intelligent Machines could have a wide range of implications, both positive and negative. On one hand, these machines could greatly enhance our society and solve complex problems in areas such as medicine, climate change, and space exploration. On the other hand, there are concerns about the potential misuse or loss of control over these machines, leading to catastrophic consequences.

4. How do scientists plan to ensure the ethical use of Godlike Massively Intelligent Machines?

As the concept of Godlike Massively Intelligent Machines is still hypothetical, there are currently no specific plans in place. However, many experts in the field of AI are actively discussing and researching ethical considerations and guidelines for the development and use of advanced AI systems. This includes ensuring transparency, accountability, and safety measures in place to prevent potential harm.

5. Will Godlike Massively Intelligent Machines ever be able to possess consciousness or emotions?

This is a highly debated topic and there is no definitive answer. Some experts believe that with advanced enough technology, it may be possible for Godlike Massively Intelligent Machines to possess consciousness and emotions. Others argue that these are uniquely human qualities and therefore cannot be replicated by machines. Ultimately, this is still a topic of ongoing research and speculation.

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