Artificial Intelligence or Enhanced Intelligence??
@THEcreationist (837)
India
June 11, 2010 9:01pm CST
In this era of ever growing technology and fascinating movies, nearly everyone out here is familiar with the concept of Artificial Intelligence - a computerized machine brain that has human like intelligence (actually better, called rationality). A majority of technology lovers favor this concept of ideal robotic brain. However, there have been some arguments against it:
- Nearly zero progress in the field makes it a waste of time.
- It increases human dependence on machines, that can be drastic later on.
- There have been some apprehensions about robots taking over humans (movies like iRobot). However, it does not seem to be a big concern.
Such people favor the concept of enhanced intelligence that seems to be a promising field due to fast growing genetic engineering. They say that it is better to improve human intelligence rather than making super-intelligent machines. However, the idea of brain boosting seems feasible technologically but not legally, as people may misuse it, and it would mean that rich people will become smarter. But, these side - effects are outweighed by its benefits to human progress.
Well, only time can tell, who is right. But, what do you favor - artificial or enhanced intelligence?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@GADHISUNU (2162)
• India
12 Jun 10
You have said it right when you sad there is zero progress in the field. Perhaps the methods used to create/imitate intelligent human behavior are not yet upto the mark.Around twenty years ago people were up beat as several paradigms were being worked beginning with large knowledge base system with efficient searches which could just be classified as an advanced method of programming, to neural networks, which are modeled on the human brain's hardware's way of organizing, searching, and reasoning based 9on some linear and non linear logics. Neither of these pardigms can be said to have reached at anything spectacular so much so that activity in AI is almost low key except may be as an academic discipline researches and PhD's.
IMO there need be a brekthrough change in the way the subject is addressed.My hunch is that the way we have understood what constitutes intelligence is still missing some very vital links, why, there could be even gaping holes in them. What is missing may not be constructible out of materials itself!?!I am just thinking aloud. At best one could end up with(in the distant future,as you have said say in 500 years hence) some humanoid robots which mimic humans, however, might be distinguishable on several factors not excluding creativity.
AS for enhanced intelligence is concerned, I feel we are closer home. The fear of creating frankensteins is however there. Assuming that humanity matures enough to avoid the likes of World Wars, an enhanced intelligence experiment gone wrong could give birth to someone whose villainy is the combined power of all of history's World Conquerors, who would help annihilate human race itself?
1 person likes this
@THEcreationist (837)
• India
12 Jun 10
Yes, well said, the field of artificial intelligence grew and developed somewhat in its middle phases but has now more or less become a topic suited for research but limited in its capability of implementation. Also, the prominent thing that is expected to be lacking in those 'may be possible' robots, is creativity. However, the world of programming has done miracles, so, only time can tell.
Also, the field of enhanced intelligence looks much more promising and beneficial to human race. But, as you said, the result of related apprehensions can be drastically devastating.
Thanks for your response.
@THEcreationist (837)
• India
12 Jun 10
Hmmm, thats quite an optimistic view. Thanks for your response.
@cblackink (969)
• United States
12 Jun 10
How is a robotic brain ever going to be better than the real thing? Our brains are capable of more than any machine ever will be. I don't see that as an improvement. And besides, our brains are used for more than just rationalizing. Our subconscious minds are very powerful, and can't be duplicated with a machine. Thumbs down.
1 person likes this
@THEcreationist (837)
• India
12 Jun 10
Well, rationality does not mean rationalizing. In the language of artificial intelligence, rationality means rational action (not just ration thought), and a rational action is expected to lead the agent (the robot) to a success. The specific implementation is not of concern here. The main question is- Is it right to invest time and money in making machines that are super-intelligent (although, as you said, the feasibility is low), or to go for increasing the intelligence of real humans by genetic means called Enhanced Intelligence (however, that may become illegal).
@ann101 (518)
• China
12 Jun 10
I thing there is a long way to make out a machine which has a man'intelligence.Now the called intelligent machine just can do simple actions and scientists still have questions about human brains,so how can they give the machine a brain which can be used to think?
1 person likes this
@THEcreationist (837)
• India
12 Jun 10
Hmmm, thats quite right. The feasibility of the idea is still in question. But, we don`t abandon ideas just because they seem half feasible. I mean even if it is feasible (maybe 500 years later), should we go for it? Or should we go for its substitute called the Enhanced intelligence, in which the ability of existing human brain is enhanced by genetic or other medical means, and let these smart robots be a limited capability.
