Risks of Intelligence: Superhuman Machines - Assignment Example

Superhuman Machines Risks of intelligence reached beyond the maximum Thousands of leaps were taken by humanity to reach this kind of scientific breakthrough. The Artificial Intelligence did not remain a concept; with the help of modern inventions that could help its improvement, science gave technology a dynamic move to meet its goals. But what really is Artificial Intelligence? According to Boden, Artificial Intelligence is “the study of computer programs.” It is the area of Computer Science which concentrates on making machines where it meets the standard of humans to what they accept as intelligent. In other words, its implications lie on how humans program these machines to act more like human in such a way that it would do certain tasks. However, even through the years of all the research, the AI project remains a failure (Kassan 1). Despite of this, Hawkins is certain that humans are capable of producing artificial intelligence (qtd. in Kassan 1). Honda, a Japanese mobile company, proved that Hawkins’s statement is rather accurate by creating ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility). The robot is said to be the most human-like creation Honda has ever made. By 2005, ASIMO is “better, stronger, and faster.” ASIMO “can do things like turn on light switches, open doors, carry objects, and push carts” (Orbinger and Strickland). Robots pretty much do the things that humans cannot do or simply do not want to do. This is a good deal for people who are too busy to do the chores at home or for someone who does not want additional burden when he comes from work. Yet, the question still remains: “Do we really need robots to do all these things?” In a brighter perspective, robots can do things more efficiently, “and without the continuous cost and social upheaval” (“Ethical Issues”). Is this not an insult to the capacity of humans to these jobs? It seems like the term “more efficiently” degrades the value of human work. Robotics, though a proof of humans’ intelligence, should not be taken as “slave machines” and made them do all the humans are capable of doing because first, it will affect human resources and job displacements, it would alter the natural, and it would forcibly pass through human limitation and eventually leading to the realization of the concept of “Singularity.” Necessity is the mother of invention; the seed of all production, or is it? The concept of necessity seems to have changed through the course of dynamic technological revolution. In the different kinds of industry, cutting the production costs without risking quality would be the very challenge, and robotics seems to be an attractive solution. However, human cost is also at risk (Knod Jr. et al.) With all the jobs which can be done “more efficiently” by robots, manufacturers won’t have to hire human laborers. Instead, they would hire people assigned for the maintenance of these robots. This might call for a change in people’s choice when it comes to career. If robots would be preferable to do dirty and dangerous jobs, people who are working in the same category would have to think of career change. This might be a problem especially to underdeveloped countries where laborers can hardly afford college and blue-collar jobs are the only solution to make a living. Technological progress would transform the labor system by destroying a lot of job opportunities for humans since they work alongside with machines which can “increasingly copy human behavior” (“Scientists Worry”). To replace laborers with robots would mean other side effects in society. “The development of intelligent robots is going to be disruptive, economically and socially” (Bennu). As thousands of people would lose their jobs as robots take over them, the price of the goods would however drop, but how could people afford these cheap commodity if they would lose their means of living? The relationship between robotics and human resources was not able to meet halfway and the “traditional divisions...will collapse” (Pollack 5). Consequently, there would be a social imbalance. Since most people got laid off from their jobs, it would be rational to expect for crime rates to increase. People would do anything to survive, and to feed their families. If robots would replace manpower, hostility would be a threat. Pollack said in one of his research that nature has its own way of production and altering it can potentially harm the “food chain of which we are part” (5). Artificial Intelligence has lead the way for humans to develop different species of plants and animals. It has actually improved the quality and quantity of agriculture. However, GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms) would cause negative side effects towards the human body. Jackson stated that an increased intensity of allergens and toxins found in plants may trigger health risks. The field of Robotics aims to develop a human-like machine. A copy of what a human looks like and what a human does. Extensive research would do all the possible ways to reach this goal and in many ways becomes too ambitious that it also wants the humanoid to have “emotions.” Emotions are what made humans distinct from other beings and creating humanoids with emotions would be far beyond our limitation; a godlike manner. In 2004, Japanese neuroscientist, Mitsuo Kawato asked the government for a 50 billion yen funding for his project to create a robot capable of thinking, doing physical tasks and feeling (Capps 1). This objective seemed too far-fetched but year after year, his concept is gradually turning into a possibility. WE-4R, a robot created by Wesada University in Japan is capable of mimicking different emotions that a person could feel in a day’s work such as “fear, anger, surprise, joy, disgust, sadness - or a Zen-like state of peace” (Capps 1). The robot would be used “to study the ways that senses translate into emotions.” Technically speaking, robots are built to aid human activities and they are very useful especially when it comes to the study of the sciences like biology or physics. Discoveries using a state of the art technology might be the answer to some diseases we know today which cannot be treated. However, creating robots out of curiosity, satisfaction, and profit is another story. Criminals might exploit this kind of advancement to propagate criminal activities (“Scientists Worry”). This would be an opportunity for criminals to take advantage since crimes would be fast and easy; the aim of technology. Along with the creation of superintelligence comes Singularity. The concept of singularity was first defined by Thornton in 1847. Singularity is experienced when humans are able to create superintelligent beings that those beings would create other more intelligent beings. The advancement in terms of technology would be so much rapid that it would be “out of any hope to control” (Vinge). Because of this, several societal problems might occur and would eventually lead to human extinction. The age-old question of whether humans are capable of producing another humans with the aid of modern science is still a subject to issues in morality; as the Church firmly believes that only the Supreme Being is entitled and has the right to create and end life and forcing to create other life forms would render an enormous price to pay. However, humans as curious animals did not make this philosophy as a hindrance to unlock the mysteries of life. They have always been curious about how things are done and why is it as they are. It is as if humans are mimicking the ways of the Supreme Being that made them, and their favorite game has always been playing God. The ideals of technology are mainly to help and aid in convenience and not to destroy its creator, but with the willful goals of man to discover everything is making a monster out of it. The mere fact that several questions arise when one question is answered should be enough proof that even the most intelligent person has limitations and the best way to reconcile with it is acceptance. Works Cited Bennu. “Robots: Economic Implications.” Future Hi. Future Hi, 16 Apr. 2004. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. . Boden, Margaret A. Artificial Intelligence and Natural Man. New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1977. Print. Capps, Robert. “The Humanoid Race.” WIRED magazine. Wired.com, July 2004. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. . “Ethical Issues Concerning Robots and Android Humanoid Technology.” Robotics. 06 May 2008. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. . Jackson, Greg. “GMO Negative Effects.” eHow.com. eHow, 02 Apr. 2010. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. . Kassan, Peter. “AI Gone Awry.” Skeptic n.d.: 30+. Print. Knod, Edward M. et al. “Robotics: Challenges for the Human Resources Manager.” [Abstract]. Business Horizons 27.2 (1984): 38-46. Print. Orbinger, Lee Ann, and Jonathan Strickland. “How ASIMO Works.” Howstuffworks. Howstuffworks Inc., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. . Pollack, Jordan B. Yale Bioethics Seminar Jan. 2004 Yale University. Print. “Scientists Worry Machines May Outsmart Man.” Manila Bulletin 30 July 2002: n.p. Print. Vinge, Vernor. “Technological Singularity.” Rohan Academic Computing. San Diego State University, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. . Read More