Will they be in the future computers smarter than humans? Will they dominate the world or is it just a fear within the reach of science fiction? A couple of weeks ago, we wondered in the blog how far artificial intelligence can go and we have seen several cases of cyborgs where technology has improved people’s lives.
But philosophers and scientists at the University of Cambridge are not so clear and believe that the question deserves serious study. At the proposal of one of its internal entities, the Center for the Study of Existential Risk, the University will bring together experts to examine ways in which super-intelligent technology, including artificial technology, could they threaten our very existence.
What does seem conclusive from his point of view is that, in the case of artificial intelligence, it seems a reasonable prediction that at some point in this century or the next escape from the limitations of biology. And when this happens, they say: “You will run the risk of being at the mercy of non-malicious machinesbut with different interests that do not include us.” Is this signing a little alarmist?
The great resource of fantastic cinema
The fear that machines will outperform humans has long been one of the most inspiring themes for science fiction, such as the supercomputer HAL from the 2001 film: Space Odyssey, or the sentimental humanoids of A. I. Artificial Intelligence.
Cambrigde points out that, although these concerns may seem implausible, the potential risks they are too serious to take the edge off the issue and think that the computer threat is confined to the realm of fantasy cinema. Thus, this Cambridge project arises with the conviction that these issues require much more scientific research and attention than they currently receive, encouraging the creation of a multidisciplinary research centre dedicated to the study and mitigation of these risks.
Without wishing to create unnecessary concerns but in order to really know the seriousness of the risks on the time scale, the University trusts that the scientific community will decide with this initiative the exact nature of an increasingly advanced technology, following the progress of branches such as the artificial intelligencebiotechnology, nanotechnology or the possible extreme effects of anthropogenic climate change. We will have to wait for the launch of the center, scheduled for next year, to begin to know if the predictions of science fiction are fulfilled or, finally, technology will become another ally to improve people’s lives.
Source: The Associated Press.
Images / Omicrono, MSN Technology.
