When Elon Musk spoke of his reservations about AI – based on the possible dangers that an artificial intelligence that is out of human control could represent – the world took notice. It is probably safe to say that the entire world’s press featured that statement in its very next update or edition. As a thought leader and someone synonymous with futurism and innovation, Mr Musk cuts a formidable figure in our culture. Like many others, I too find his commitment to technological solutions that address fundamental civilization aspirations, very inspiring and interesting. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that his statement could be construed as – at least mildly – alarmist.
It is natural for a free spirited innovator to indulge in speculation. After all, ‘thinking out aloud’ is the very genesis of invention. It is also true that all of us have the right to share our perspectives in the larger discourse. I do, however, feel that the sensationalism that commercial media interests pursue can misrepresent even the most enlightened of hypotheses. While Mr Musk’s emphasis on caution definitely has merit, it should be seen within the context of the incredible benefits that AI can generate, rather than in disproportionate isolation.
I should point out here that I am, by no means, a disinterested neutral party in this discussion. In fact, it would be safe to say that I am tremendously excited by the possibilities that cognitive technologies and machine learning can generate for human beings. I have often shared my opinions about the possibility for us to be a far more inclusive and egalitarian civilization. Certainly, universal abundance is a goal that cannot be said to be a technological or logistic problem any longer. I see the rise of artificial intelligence as the ultimate enabler that can help us live optimally, efficiently and with worldwide access to basic comforts and well being.
I am of the opinion that the twentieth century will be seen as a turning point in the future. It was a 100 years in which we often recruited some of our most impressive innovations into causes that they should not have been. World War 1 was the first mechanized conflict in our history. The scale of the misery it created cannot be overestimated. Unfortunately, the millions of young lives lost in that tragedy did not stop the world from being thrust into an even greater disaster a mere decade or two later. I believe the two world wars – culminating in the use of atomic bombs – generated a lot of introspection about the misuse of science. It is not a coincidence that Mr Musk’s statement of caution regarding AI drew a parallel to nuclear arms.
Fundamentally, I have two philosophical issues with taking a pessimistic view. One, I believe that human beings have looked into the eyes of their own failings – in the last century – and emerged with the determination to do better. I sense the collective will of humanity as far more positively aspirational than not, in recent decades. Indeed, I am grateful for the young generations that we are producing – I find their positivity and humanist perspective extremely inspiring and reassuring.
Secondly, I believe it is time to reignite the great optimism that scientific breakthroughs created in the 17th,18th and 19th centuries. Even as a young child I was extremely inspired by the great inventors of that era – and their ingenious experiments to test their hypotheses. I am strongly of the opinion that we should turn the page on the 20th century and, once again, ignite an unfettered enthusiasm about the ability of technology to create a better, more empowered, world.
Coming back to the topic of artificial intelligence, I believe it needs to be seen for what it truly represents. Like every other technology that changed the very nature of the world – be it modern transportation or the invention of electricity – it can be used to empower all sorts of advantages. By allowing it to automate and reshape the functions that enable our modern lives, we can upgrade virtually every single aspect of our civilization. There is almost nothing we do today that it cannot enhance and impact positively. Should we restrain ourselves just because it can be misused? What kind of world would we live in today, if the transformative power of electricity had been discarded because its reckless use could electrocute people?
Elon Musk is a cultural icon for a very good reason. Few people in the world today represent the great positivity around scientific empowerment – that I invoked a few sentences ago – better than him. I believe his own wonderful commitment to a better and technology enabled world should be our guide in the context of AI. His prudent call for caution, of course, should also be part of our worldview, but not through the lens of sensationalist media reporting.
Ultimately, I believe that we are on the cusp of a great transformation as a civilization. We should enter it with eyes open and our hearts in the right place. We have the opportunity to create a just, egalitarian and universally empowered world. I believe the entire course of human history and endeavour has been leading to this goal, we must not shirk the responsibility of manifesting it.
