Лекция "Искусственный интеллект - величайшее зло или высшее благо?"

Искусственный интеллект - высшее благо или величайшее зло?

Авторы: учитель английского языка СОГБОУИ «Лицей имени Кирилла и Мефодия», ученица 11 класса Б Савченко Анна (выпуск 2019)

Аннотация: Данный материал представляет собой открытую лекцию на английском языке, посвященную проблеме искусственного разума. Авторы стараются ответить на вопрос, вынесенный в название лекции, и размышляют о том, что ждет человечество через несколько десятков лет.

Лекция составлена в формате TED конференции и прошла апробацию в ходе проектной смены для обучающихся Ассоциации по выявлению, развитию и профессиональной ориентации мотивированных детей и молодежи Смоленской области «Смоленский Олимп». (февраль 2019). Целевая аудитория – обучающиеся старших классов, студенты высшей школы, интересующиеся данной тематикой. Необходимый уровень владения языком – С1 -В2.

Artificial Intelligence

Everything we love about civilization is a product of intelligence, so amplifying our human intelligence with artificial intelligence has the potential of helping civilization flourish like never before – as long as we manage to keep the technology beneficial.“

Max Tegmark, President of the Future of Life Institute

What sort of future do you want? Should we develop lethal (смертельный) weapons?   Do you prefer new jobs replacing the old ones, or a jobless society where everyone enjoys a life of leisure and machine-produced wealth?

  Would you like to face the creation of superintelligent life and its spreading through our cosmos? Will we control intelligent machines or will they control us? Will intelligent machines replace us, coexist with us, or merge with us? What will it mean to be human in the age of artificial intelligence? How can we make the future be that way? Please join the conversation!

Today we are going to discuss a controversial and burning issue – the phenomenon of Artificial Intelligence, AI, in short.

Most of us imagine Artificial Intelligence as an army of human-like robots rebelling against humanity, while other people from a more positive thinking community—are foreseeing a bright future where AI serves them in all possible ways: from walking a dog early in the morning when the weather is unpleasant to peeling tangerines at Christmas.

We suppose, the second variant is certainly fun, it is a utopia. Whereas A reality with robots rising up against people, however, is a much more probable event.

In our today’s lecture we are going to cover the following points:

define the phenomenon of AI and its specific features

trace the history of AI

focus on the potential spheres of its application

debate all possible advantages of AI

speculate on potential threats AI presents for the humanity

discuss controversial opinions concerning AI

Definition. What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence is a term, which consists of two words: Artificial - Intelligence

Artificial

Artificial is something that is not real and which is kind of fake because it is simulated. The simplest thing what I can think of which is artificial is artificial grass. Artificial grass is not real grass, so it is kind of fake. It is used to substitute real grass for various reasons. What can be artificial? – flowers, teeth, smile, laughter, language and what not

Intelligence

Intelligence is are very complex term. It can be defined in many different ways like logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, planning, creativity and of course problem solving.

We call us, humans, intelligent, because we all do these mentioned things. We perceive our environment, learn from it and take action based on what we discovered.

The same applies to animals, by the way.

In both cases (human intelligence and animal intelligence) we talk about natural intelligence (NI).

Next to humans and animals there has been argued about plant intelligence. There is an opinion that we can talk about plant intelligence. The main reason is here because plants are not having a brain or neuronal network, but they react to their environment. 

If we talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) we refer to a subfield of Computer Science. Artificial Intelligence is acted by machines, computers and mainly software.

Basically, artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a machine or a computer program to think and learn. The concept of AI is based on the idea of building machines capable of thinking, acting, and learning like humans.

AI can also be defined as the area of computer science that deals with the ways in which computers can be made to perform cognitive functions ascribed to humans.

So, as it is seen from the above-mentioned speculations, Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term that incorporates everything from image recognition software to robotics. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the study and creation of computer systems that can perceive, reason and act. The primary aim of AI is to produce intelligent machines. The intelligence should be exhibited by thinking, making decisions, solving problems, more importantly by learning. AI is an interdisciplinary field that requires knowledge in computer science, linguistics, psychology, biology, philosophy and so on for serious research.

The term “artificial intelligence” dates back to 1956 and belongs to a Stanford researcher John McCarthy, who coined the term and defined the key mission of AI as a sub-field of computer science

There are certain things a machine/computer program must be capable of to be considered AI.

First, it should be able to mimic human thought process and behavior. Second, it should act in a human-like way—intelligent, rational, and ethical.

There are two types of strong AI: Human-like AI, in which the computer program thinks and reasons to the level of human-being. Non-human-like AI, in which the computer program develops a non-human way of thinking and reasoning.

Research in AI has focused chiefly on the following components of intelligence: learning, reasoning, problem solving, perception, and using language.

History.

The history of Artificial Intelligence is quite interesting and started around 100 years ago.

Rossum’s Universal Robots (R.U.R.)

In 1920 the Czech writer Karel Čapek published a science fiction play named Rossumovi Univerzální Roboti (Rossum’s Universal Robots), also better known as R.U.R. The play introduced the word robot. R.U.R. deals with a factory, which creates artificial people named as robots. They differentiate from today’s term of robot. In R.U.R. robots are living creatures, who are more similar to the term of clones. The robots in R.U.R. first worked for the humans, but then there comes are robot rebellion which leads to the extinction of the human race.

The play is quite interesting, because it is telling the story of the creation of robots, so some kind of artificial intelligence, which first seems to be a positive effect to the humans, but later on the is the robot rebellion which threat the whole human race.

Artificial Intelligence in literature and movies is a big topic for its own, which we are not going to touch upon so far.

Alan Turing –the creator of The Turing machine. It can ,despite the model’s simplicity, construct any algorithm’s logic. Because of discoveries in neurology, information theory and cybernetics in the same time researches and with them Alan Turing created the idea that it is possible to build an electronic brain.

Some years after the end of World War 2, Turing introduced his widely known Turing Test, which was an attempt to define machines intelligent.

The Dartmouth conference

In 1956, American computer scientist John McCarthy organised the Dartmouth Conference, at which the term ‘Artificial Intelligence’ was first adopted. In 1956 there was probably the first workshop of Artificial Intelligence and with it the field of AI research was born.In the following years huge process was made. Nearly everybody was very optimistic.

Machines will be capable, within twenty years, of doing any work what man can do.” – Herbert A. Simon (CMU)

“Within a generation … the problem of creating ‘artificer intelligence’ will substantially be solved” – Marvin Minsky (MIT)

.Also in the 50s John McCarthy, often known as the father of AI, developed the LISP programming language which became important in machine learning.

In the 1960s, researchers emphasized developing algorithms to solve mathematical problems and geometrical theorems. In the late 1960s, computer scientists worked on Machine Vision Learning and developing machine learning in robots. WABOT-1, the first ‘intelligent’ humanoid robot, was built in Japan in 1972.

AI Winters

However, despite this well-funded global effort, computer scientists found it incredibly difficult to create intelligence in machines. To be successful, AI applications (such as vision learning) required the processing of enormous amount of data. Computers were not well-developed enough to process such a large magnitude of data. Governments and corporations were losing faith in AI.

Therefore, from the mid 1970s to the mid 1990s, computer scientists dealt with an acute shortage of funding for AI research. These years became known as the ‘AI Winters’.

New Millennium, New Opportunities

In the late 1990s, American corporations once again became interested in AI. The Japanese government unveiled plans to develop a fifth generation computer to advance of machine learning. AI enthusiasts believed that soon computers would be able to carry on conversations, translate languages, interpret pictures, and reason like people.In 1997, IBM’s Deep Blue defeated became the first computer to beat a reigning world chess champion, Garry Kasparov.

Exponential gains in computer processing power and storage ability allowed companies to store vast, and vast quantities of data for the first time. Machine learning is now embedded in many of the online services we use. As a result, today, the technology sector drives the American stock market.

CHALLENGES

“AI is likely to be either the best or worst thing to happen to humanity.” ~Stephen Hawking

Where Is AI Used?

Many people associate AI with the distant future. They incorrectly believe that the technology is not likely to become a part of their lives anytime soon. Little do they know how many aspects of their lives are already affected by AI.

APPLICATIONS

In fact, there are many AI applications that we witness: Robotics, Machine translators, voice recognizers etc. AI tehniques are used to solve many real life problems. Some kind of robots are helping to find land-mines, searching humans trapped in rubbles (булыжник) due to natural disasters.

Let us dwell on some examples of AI used in everyday life.

Examples

Siri or Alexa—personal assistants that have already become the new normal for thousands of people around the globe. These and similar intelligent gadgets are able to recognize our speech (read: “understand what we want or need”), analyze the information they have access to, and provide an answer or solution. What is remarkable (and a little scary) about such assistants is that they continuously learn about their users and are even able to anticipate users’ needs.

Other examples of artificial intelligence in use today include smart home devices like Google’s NEST, self-driving cars like those produced by Tesla, and online games like Alien: Isolation.

Smarter home robots

How it's using AI: That makers of the popular Roomba are back with a new, much smarter robotic vacuum. 

The Roomba 980 model uses artificial intelligence to scan room size, identify obstacles and remember the most efficient routes for cleaning. The self-deploying Roomba can also determine how much vacuuming there is to do based on a room's size, and it needs no human assistance to clean floors.

Olly, an AI-assistant with personality

How it's using AI: Emotech is the creator of Olly a voice-controlled AI assistant similar to Amazon Alexa or Google Home, but with one distinct difference — Olly has an evolving personality.

Olly's personality comes from a mix of machine learning algorithms that teach the robot to gradually be more like its owner. 

Emotech's AI-powered technology can understand a user’s facial expressions, voice inflections and verbal patterns to start conversations and make suggestions.

Industry impact: Olly's abilities are far beyond anything current voice assistants are capable of doing. For example, if Olly sees you resting your head, it may ask if you've had a long day and then suggest some of your favorite music to help you unwind. See for yourself.

Atomwise: Streamlining drug discovery

How it's using AI: Atomwise is using AI and deep learning to facilitate drug discovery.

Using technology is based on convolutional neural networks. With the ability to analyze billions of compounds and identify areas for drug discovery, the technology is rapidly speeding up the work of chemists.

Industry impact: Atomwise is being used to tackle some of the most pressing medical issues of the day, including Ebola and multiple sclerosis.   

Smart maps

How it's using AI: Google uses AI in a number of areas, but the technology's specific application in Google Maps makes our commutes a little easier.

With AI-enabled mapping, the search giant's technology scans road information and uses algorithms to determine the optimal route to take, be it on foot or in a car, bike, bus or train.

Many AI researchers roll their eyes when seeing this headline: “Stephen Hawking warns that rise of robots may be disastrous for mankind.”

Is AI the highest Good or the greatest evil? Let us consider the main benefits and threats of AI?

Threats

“The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” ~Stephen Hawking.

“With artificial intelligence, we are summoning the demon.” ~Elon Musk

There is an opinion among researchers and developers that AI could grow so immensely strong that it would be difficult for humans to control.

Humans developed AI systems by introducing into them every possible intelligence they could, for which the humans themselves now seem threatened.

1.Threat to Privacy

An AI program that recognizes speech and understands natural language is theoretically capable of understanding each conversation on e-mails and telephones.  Cameras are nearly everywhere, and facial recognition algorithms know who you are. When Big Brother is watching you and then making decisions based on that intel, it’s not only an invasion of privacy it can quickly turn to social oppression.

2.Threat to Human Dignity

AI systems have already started replacing the human beings in few industries. It should not replace people in the sectors where they are holding dignified positions which are pertaining to ethics such as nursing, surgeon, judge, police officer, etc.

3.Threat to Safety

What humans value in AI-powered machines is their efficiency and effectiveness. But, if we aren’t clear with the goals we set for AI machines, it could be dangerous if a machine isn’t armed with the same goals we have. For example, a command to “Get me to the airport as quickly as possible” might have dire consequences. Without specifying that the rules of the road must be respected because we value human life, a machine could quite effectively accomplish its goal of getting you to the airport as quickly as possible and do literally what you asked, but leave behind a trail of accidents.

4. Liability for actions

A great deal is still unclear about the legal aspects of systems that become increasingly smart. What is the situation in terms of liability when the AI system makes an error? Do we judge this like we would judge a human? Who is responsible in a scenario in which systems become self-learning and autonomous to a greater extent? All in all, should we treat AI as a animate or an animate pnenomenon?

5. Major tech companies exert a great deal of influence

Major tech companies such as Facebook, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Amazon and some others have the financial capacity, the data and the intellectual ability to raise the quality of artificial intelligence enormously. The risk therefore exists that very powerful technology ends up in the hands of a relatively small group of commercial companies. Thus they will get an ever greater advantage and monopolize the sphere of AI.

6.Impact on the labour market

AI will create pressure on the labour market in the years ahead because some jobs will disappear as they will be replaced be replaced by the machines. Social inequality will increase . Besides, it is becoming increasingly important for professionals to adapt to the rapidly changing work environment.

7.Autonomous weapons

As recent as this summer, Elon Musk from Tesla warned the United Nations about autonomous weapons, controlled by artificial intelligence. Along with 115 other experts, he pointed to the potential threat of autonomous war equipment. This makes sense: it concerns powerful tools that could cause a great deal of damage. It is not just real military equipment that is dangerous: considering technology is becoming increasingly easy, inexpensive and user-friendly, it will become available to everyone… including those who intend to do harm.

8. Loss of skills

We lose more and more human skills due to the use of computers and smartphones. Is that a pity? Sometimes it is and sometimes not. Smart software makes our lives easier and results in a reduction in the number of boring tasks we have to perform – examples include navigating, writing by hand, mental arithmetic, remembering telephone numbers, being able to forecast rain by looking at the sky, et cetera. Not immediately of crucial importance. We are losing skills in daily life and leaving them to technology.

Benefits

“What all of us have to do is to make sure we are using AI in a way that is for the benefit of humanity, not to the detriment of humanity.” -  Tim Cook, the top-manager and the head of the Apple company

It's going to be interesting to see how society deals with artificial intelligence, but it will definitely be cool. Colin Angle, a co-founder of iRobot

1. Enhances Efficiency And Productivity

AI today is a huge benefit to society because it enhances our efficiency and productivity, while creating new opportunities for revenue generation, cost savings and job creation

2. Adds Jobs, Strengthens The Economy 

AI encourages a gradual evolution in the job market which, with the right preparation, will be positive. People will still work, but they’ll work better with the help of AI. The unparalleled combination of human and machine will become the new normal in the workforce of the future.

3. Frees Up Humans To Do What They Do Best

AI will make people’s lives easier and provide them with an opportunity to be more involved in interpersonal and creative aspects of work.

4. Enhances Our Lifestyle

The rise of AI in our society will enhance our lifestyle and create more efficient businesses. Some of the mundane tasks like answering emails and data entry will by done by intelligent assistants. Smart homes will also reduce energy usage and provide better security, marketing will be more targeted and we will get better health care thanks to better diagnoses. 

5. Medical Applications:

Doctors assess the patients and their health risks with the help of artificial machine intelligence. It educates them about the side effects of various medicines.

Medical professionals are often trained with the artificial surgery simulators. It finds a huge application in detecting and monitoring neurological disorders as it can simulate the brain functions.

Robotics is used often in helping mental health patients to come out of depression and remain active. A popular application of artificial intelligence is radiosurgery. Radiosurgery is used in operating tumours and this can actually help in the operation without damaging the surrounding tissues.

Conclusion:

Taking everything discussed into consideration, we can make the following conclusion:

-AI is one of the most remarkable events for humankind. No doubt, it can be considered a major component of 4th Industrial Revolution, and its potential is really huge covering different aspects of the human life: economic, political, social, cultural.

- At the same time one of the biggest problems in AI is a philosophical one as some experts claim AI is a danger to humanity, will some day become superior to humans and can ultimately replace them.

- The smartest and the most reasonable thing people can do would be keeping an eye on how the technology evolves, taking advantage of the improvements it brings to our lives, and not getting too nervous at the thought of machine takeover.

Whether it is destructive or constructive is our responsibility.

“I believe this artificial intelligence is going to be our partner. If we misuse it, it will be a risk. If we use it right, it can be our partner”.

Masayoshi Son, Japanes businessman, the founder of the SoftBank company