What steps does he describe as critical for achieving this optimistic view of future AI? How is your perspective similar or different from his?

Learning Goal: I’m working on a case studies multi-part question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Artificial Intelligence: Friend of Foe? Each set should be answered on a different page.

For this discussion activity, you will watch 4 TED TALKS concerning the future of artificial intelligence. In each video, the speaker presents unique arguments for why we should or should not have concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Considering the perspectives presented in the TED TALKS, answer the following question sets below:

Set 1:

Sam Harris (Can we build AI without losing control over it?) points out that there are 3 primary general arguments that AI researchers cite for why we shouldn’t worry about AI destroying humanity. In his talk, he provides counter-arguments for each of this positions. Summarize his counter-arguments and identify which you find the most persuasive (and explain why).

Set 2:

Margaret Mitchell (How we can build AI to help humans, not hurt us) helps improve the way computers describe and interpret the information they receive. She argues that by helping AI “think” about the world in a way that is compatible with how humans think, we will steer the evolution of AI in a direction that benefits humanity. Describe how she tries to do this. In what ways are our own limitations and biases reflected in how AI will interpret the information we give it? What are some solutions she suggests, and do you find her suggestions compelling?

Set 3:

Robin Hanson (What would happen if we upload our brains to computers?) argues that we can predict how future artificial intelligence might behave by examining the behavioral economics of human behavior and by considering the virtual environments in which AI would “live.” Summarize the logic (or illogic) of his argument and explain whether you agree with him (and why or why not). In what ways does he claim artificial intelligence and behavior would be similar to that of humans, and in what ways does he claim they would be different?

Set 4:

Max Tegmark (How to get empowered, not overpowered, by AI) argues that AI has more potential to help life flourish than it does to destroy it. Why does he hold this belief, and what examples/evidence does he cite to support his view? What steps does he describe as critical for achieving this optimistic view of future AI? How is your perspective similar or different from his?