Why AI Will Save The World: The Power of Human Intelligence Augmented by Artificial Intelligence

Why AI Will Save The World: The Power of Human Intelligence Augmented by Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the application of mathematics and software code to teach computers how to understand, synthesize, and generate knowledge in ways similar to how people do it. In simpler terms, AI is a way to make everything we care about better. Throughout history, human intelligence has been the lever we have used to create the world we live in today. And now, AI offers us the opportunity to profoundly augment human intelligence to make all aspects of our lives much, much better.

One of the most exciting prospects of AI is the concept of an AI tutor. Imagine every child having an AI tutor that is infinitely patient, compassionate, knowledgeable, and helpful. This AI tutor would be by each child's side, maximizing their potential and providing them with the machine version of infinite love. Additionally, an AI assistant would be present throughout all of life's opportunities and challenges, maximizing every person's outcomes. The magnification effects of better decisions made by leaders across the people they lead are enormous, making intelligence augmentation through AI potentially the most important advancement.

Contrary to popular belief, AI can even improve warfare by reducing wartime death rates dramatically. Wars often involve terrible decisions made under intense pressure and with limited information by human leaders. With the development and proliferation of AI, we can minimize the risks associated with these decisions, ultimately saving lives. Embracing AI is not a risk to be feared, but rather a moral obligation we have to ourselves, our children, and our future.

Throughout history, every new technology that matters has sparked a moral panic. From electric lighting to automobiles to radio to the Internet, people have always feared that the new technology will destroy the world or society. However, these fears have always been proven unfounded. AI is not alive; it doesn't have goals or the desire to harm humans. It is simply a machine, much like a toaster. The claim that "this time is different" is a fallacy that fails to recognize the continuous job growth and economic growth brought about by technology.

The automation-kills-jobs doomers often fall prey to the Lump Of Labor Fallacy. This fallacy assumes that there is a fixed amount of labor to be done in the economy and that either machines or humans will do it. However, technology empowers people to be more productive, causing prices for goods and services to fall and wages to rise. This leads to economic growth, job growth, and the creation of new jobs and industries. As human wants and needs are endless, technology-driven market economies will always strive to deliver more, ensuring that technology does not destroy jobs but rather enhances them.

While there are concerns about AI exacerbating inequality, the actual risk lies in not utilizing AI to reduce inequality. AI possesses the potential to be a powerful defensive tool in the hands of good guys with good goals. It can maximize society's defensive capabilities and help prevent bad things from happening. Governments, in collaboration with the private sector, should actively engage in each area of potential risk and leverage AI to protect society.

The development of AI dates back to the 1940s, coinciding with the invention of computers. The first scientific paper on neural networks, which forms the basis of modern AI, was published in 1943. Today, there are numerous AI researchers and innovators working tirelessly to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve. Supporting and funding these individuals and their work is crucial to unlocking the full potential of AI.

In a world where attention spans are dwindling and people often share articles without fully reading them, it's essential to recognize the weak relationship between scroll depth and sharing. Many individuals tweet out links to articles they haven't fully read. So, when someone recommends a story online, it's important not to assume that they have actually read it. The depth of engagement with an article doesn't necessarily correlate with the number of tweets it generates.

In conclusion, AI has the power to save the world by augmenting human intelligence and making every aspect of our lives better. By embracing AI, we can unlock unimaginable potential and address pressing challenges such as healthcare, climate change, and even warfare. To make the most of AI, we must actively support its development, utilize it for defensive purposes, and ensure that it is used to reduce inequality. As AI continues to evolve, it is our responsibility to embrace it and shape a future where AI and human intelligence work hand in hand to create a better world.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Embrace AI Education: Educate yourself and others about AI to dispel misconceptions and fears. By understanding its capabilities and limitations, we can make informed decisions and leverage AI to its fullest potential.

• 2. Advocate for Responsible AI Development: Encourage governments and organizations to prioritize the responsible development and use of AI. This includes addressing potential risks and ensuring that AI is used for the betterment of society as a whole.

• 3. Support AI Research and Innovation: Whether through funding or collaboration, support the researchers and innovators who are pushing the boundaries of AI. By investing in their work, we can accelerate progress and unlock the transformative power of AI.