I recently watched the movie, Oppenheimer, and I am now reading the book, American Prometheus. One inescapable message presents itself: We have been living in the Atomic Age for almost 100 years.
Some will think it premature to say that we are entering a new Age, the Age of AI, but I don’t think so.
Just as we have been grappling with the benefits and the threats of Atomic Power, we will likewise have to struggle with both the good and the bad of AI.
According to the director of Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan, “Artificial intelligence researchers refer to the present moment as an ‘Oppenheimer moment.’”
The benefits of AI on the horizon are massive and dramatically unpredictable. AI will move humanity forward in quantum leaps, and for that, we should remember to remain thankful.
And, for the record, it is not the science fiction horror scenario of AI becoming sentient and turning on us that we must worry about. The real danger is that many of us will become even more complacent and self-indulgent than we already are.
The constantly heard refrain that we have forgotten how to be rugged individuals like our forefathers will only get louder, more persistent, and truer when AI learns to do everything for us.
Rugged individuals died young. AI will greatly help public administrators to effectively implement policies. Private property apologists will no longer have the excuse that public servants cannot plan for millions because AI will make it feasible. People, not profits.
Leon, you said, “People, not profits.”
Bravo! I would like to add, People, not profits in a free and open Democracy that fosters and rewards Free Enterprise.