Problems of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is by definition technology with a mind of its own. As it has a mind of its own, it can be difficult, even immoral, to contain and control, which is where the dangers arise.

Direct Problems
First we begin with the classic science fiction Artificial Intelligence problems. The Intelligence could modify its program in unexpected ways which could allow it to act in an unpredicted way or circumvent established failsafes. We could create barriers against these kinds of hazards. This type of situation would be the most visible, hence why it is so commonly used in science fiction, and also has the possibility of causing the most damage.

Social Problems
The second type of danger from the Intelligence could come from the new era it will usher in. The concept of a mind that we created would change our understand of philosophy. There are many different possibilities at this point. Everyone could accept it and see the benefits that such a leap in technology would involve. On the other hand, it could start civil unrest over the rights and dignities we should afford this new life form, with sides based around whether it should have the rights of sentient life or whether it is simply another tool, to be used as we see fit. AI would also challenge many religions. For example, in Christianity, God created us in his image so we have the ability to think. A machine that could think would challenge this idea, are we now gods as we have created a rational machine? Artificial Intelligence also brings into question the concept of the human soul. Where do we draw the separation between our soul and our mind? If we can create a mind, does it gain a soul? All these situations would generate civil unrest which, if not handled properly, could lead to more dangerous situations.

Economic Problems
Another manner in which Artificial Intelligence could cause harm is economically. During the industrial revolution, machines began to replace people in factory jobs since you don’t need a mind to work an assembly line and machines are cheaper to run and maintain. Many jobs these days that are available to the average person can’t be automated, they need a functioning mind that can make decisions. However, AI is a functioning mind that would also presumably be cheaper to keep going that a human with greater abilities. These last jobs that can’t be automated, and thus available to a human work force, would become automated. There would be even less employment opportunities to go around.

Questions for the Reader
Please consider the questions below and feel free to write your responses in the comment section below.

1. Can you think of a any other ways in which an AI could cause damage to the human race?

2. Do you think that the benefits of an AI would outweigh the possible problems it presents?

3. Is the AI any more damaging to humanity than humans already are to ourselves?

4. Can we blame the artificial intelligence for any problems it would create? If we create it by our own programming, should the flaws that develop be our responsibility?