Chapter 84
Future Nature: AI and beyond
I wrote ChatGPT the following command: “Write a 40-word essay on the benefits and dangers of AI”
ChatGPT wrote back: “Artificial intelligence enhances efficiency, innovation, and problem-solving across industries. However, it also poses risks, including job displacement, privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas. Responsible development and regulation are essential to harness AI’s benefits while minimizing harm to society and individuals.”
Then I wrote: “Sources?”
ChatGPT wrote (abbreviated): “The
40-word essay I provided is an original summary, but it draws on widely
accepted ideas and findings from the following reputable sources:
- Stanford University – AI Index Report
- OECD (Organisation (sic) for Economic Co-operation and Development)
- World Economic Forum – "The Future of Jobs Report"
- UNESCO – AI and Ethics Guidelines”
I concluded the exchange by writing: “Thank you”
ChatGPT wrote: “You're very welcome!
If you ever need help with another topic, essay, or anything else - I'm here.
Good luck with your work!”
If we examine the evolution of humans, we see a gradual
change over millions of years until we reached our current biological state
about two hundred thousand years ago. If theorists are correct, at that time we
started collaborating much more effectively. We became efficient in gathering
and disseminating information. When many of our agricultural societies
industrialized about two hundred years ago, a mad dash toward modernity
started. Now our evolution is technology-driven, and our future (if we don’t mess
things up) could be bright. Just look at our advancement in the field of
medicine over the past century. Permit me to share a personal story that
illustrates my appreciation for medical technology.
Fifteen years ago, my wife and I were enjoying an outdoor dinner
in Arizona with another couple and their dog. During our conversation, I
realized we’d all have been dead but for modern medicine: Heart block
(pacemaker), Cancer (chemotherapy), Pneumonia (antibiotics), Kidney failure
(drugs and eventual transplant), and the dog’s organ failures (a potpourri of
treatments). We are all still enjoying life together (except, sadly, for the
dog). And quality of life? Hip replacements, cataract surgeries, Parkinson’s drugs,
etc. have us all in pretty good shape as we approach our eightieth birthdays.
So, we give thanks to modern medical technology.
In terms of Artificial Intelligence, the rate of current
advancement in that field is dizzying. It should not only revolutionize
medicine, but many other fields as well. Futurists predict humans will
continue to evolve, but not by biological natural selection. Unless our cruel
selves run amok and cause a mass extinction event, AI, robotics, and advanced
medications should enrich our lives and even allow us a good quality of life
far past our one hundredth birthday.
Of course, that is the rosy picture. AI engines are becoming alarmingly capable. The dangers of unchecked development include:
- AI-enabled biological and cyberattacks
- Loss of human control over advanced AI
- Destruction of shared truth and democracy
- Economic upheaval and extreme inequality
- Authoritarian surveillance and social control
- Autonomous warfare and escalation
- Concentration of power in a few organizations
- Human dependency and erosion of judgment
Frightening, yes? Can we cram the Genie back in his bottle? Given the lessons of history it is highly unlikely. The answer? Of course, we must erect Guardrails (Chapter 6) and promote humanitarian causes. More concretely here are six actions we should prioritize that will require cooperation among governments, industry, universities, and civil society.
1. Require independent safety certification for the most powerful AI systems.
Similar in principle to safety oversight in aviation and pharmaceuticals, with requirements proportionate to the risk. Independent evaluators must have meaningful access, and regulators need authority to delay unsafe deployment.
2. Establish international AI safety agreements.
Even competing nations have common interests in preventing biological catastrophes, uncontrolled military escalation, and dangerous AI failures. International inspections and verification mechanisms should be explored.
3. Keep humans in control of irreversible decisions.
Nuclear weapons, lethal military force, critical infrastructure, and other potentially catastrophic applications require strict limits on autonomous action and robust human authorization.
4. Protect democratic accountability.
Require transparency, independent audits, rights of appeal, and legal responsibility when AI causes harm. No private company or government should be beyond meaningful scrutiny.
5. Share the economic benefits broadly.
Prepare for employment transitions, preserve economic mobility, and ensure AI-driven prosperity supports society rather than deepening inequality.
6. Invest in human critical thinking.
Education should increasingly emphasize evidence evaluation, scientific reasoning, intellectual humility, and recognizing manipulation. These are essential defenses against AI-enabled deception.
IMHO, it would be a mistake to either ignore the threat of AI or refuse to employ it for humanitarian purposes. My rationale (I trust, not rationalization) for exploiting AI resources in the creation of this book is that there will be a net positive result from its existence.
If we allow ourselves to learn from past mistakes and rein in the worst aspects of our human nature (rather than rationalize their continuance), humanity should have a bright future. But we can’t take good outcomes for granted. Let’s talk next about ways of tilting the odds in our favor.
