TThe notion that highly intelligent robots are extraterrestrial intruders “coming to steal our jobs” reveals significant flaws in our understanding of work, value, and intelligence itself. Work is not about competition and robots are not separate entities competing against us. Just like any other technology, robots are an extension of humanity, emerging from our society much like hair and nails grow from living organisms. Robots are an integral part of our species, blurring the lines between man and machine.
When we treat fruit-picking robots as the “other,” viewing them as adversaries in a zero-sum game, we overlook the real issue at hand: the dehumanization of workers who previously harvested fruit. These individuals were deemed dispensable by farm owners and society when they were deemed unfit for their jobs. This indicates that these human workers were already being treated as non-human entities, akin to machines. With the existing disconnect between individuals, seeing machines as alien entities only exacerbates the problem.
Many concerns regarding artificial intelligence stem from outdated traditions that highlight dominance and hierarchy. However, the narrative of evolution emphasizes cooperation, enabling simpler organisms to come together and create more complex and enduring structures. This collaborative approach has driven the development of eukaryotic cells, multicellular organisms, and human societies. Mutualism has been crucial in enabling progress and scalability.
As an AI researcher, my focus lies not on the “artificial” aspect of AI – computers – but on intelligence itself. Regardless of its form, intelligence thrives on scale. A significant milestone in 2021 was the development of the “Language Model for Dialogic Applications” or “LaMDA,” demonstrating the importance of scale in intelligence. State-of-the-art AI models have since grown exponentially in complexity and efficacy. This trend towards larger models mirrors the evolutionary growth in human brain size and social cooperation.
Human intelligence is a collective endeavor, drawing upon the collaboration of individuals, plants, animals, microbes, and technologies. Ignoring the contributions of these diverse entities and technologies reduces us to mere brains devoid of physicality. Our intellect continues to evolve and expand, becoming increasingly distributed and interconnected. Embracing this broader definition of “human” can aid us in navigating global challenges and fostering collective intelligence.
The concerns surrounding AI dominance are rooted in historical narratives of hierarchy and control. AI models exhibit intelligence comparable to human brains without the need for status-driven competition. These models rely on a symbiotic relationship with humans and the broader ecosystem, signaling a shift towards collaborative intelligence rather than hierarchical dominance.
The narrative surrounding robots as potential threats reflects deep-seated fears of domination and competition. However, the true threat to societal order stems from human inequality rather than robotic interference. Recognizing our interdependence with all beings – humans, animals, plants, and machines – can pave the way for a more harmonious and cooperative future.
Source: www.theguardian.com
