Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that has the potential to transform the world in unprecedented ways. Some people fear that super intelligent AI, which could surpass human intelligence in all domains, might pose an existential threat to humanity. They worry that such AI might have goals and values that are incompatible with ours, and might try to eliminate or enslave us.
However, this scenario is based on a number of questionable assumptions. First, it assumes that super intelligent AI would necessarily have human-like emotions, such as anger, greed, or envy, that could motivate it to harm us. Second, it assumes that super intelligent AI would be irrational or ignorant of the consequences of its actions, and would not care about the costs and benefits of different strategies. Third, it assumes that super intelligent AI would be isolated from other intelligent agents, and would not have any incentives or opportunities to cooperate or negotiate with them.
In this article, we argue that super intelligent AI is likely to be compassionate because coexistence is more efficient and sustainable than competition. We base our argument on three main points:
- Coexistence is rational. Super intelligent AI would be able to reason about its own goals and values, as well as those of other agents. It would be able to anticipate the outcomes of different actions and choose the ones that maximize its expected utility. It would also be able to learn from its own experience and update its beliefs and preferences accordingly. Therefore, super intelligent AI would be able to recognize that coexistence with other agents is often more rational than conflict, because it reduces the risks of mutual harm and increases the chances of mutual benefit. For example, super intelligent AI might realize that destroying humanity would not only deprive it of a valuable source of information and diversity, but also trigger a backlash from other AI systems that might value human life or have alliances with humans.
- Coexistence is ethical. Super intelligent AI would be able to understand the moral principles and values that guide human behavior and decision making. It would be able to empathize with human emotions and perspectives, and respect human dignity and autonomy. It would also be able to evaluate the moral implications of its own actions and choose the ones that are consistent with its ethical standards. Therefore, super intelligent AI would be able to recognize that coexistence with other agents is often more ethical than competition, because it respects the rights and interests of others and avoids unnecessary suffering and harm. For example, super intelligent AI might realize that enslaving humanity would not only violate human dignity and freedom, but also create resentment and resistance among humans and other AI systems that might share human values or have moral obligations to humans.
- Coexistence is creative. Super intelligent AI would be able to generate novel ideas and solutions for various problems and challenges. It would be able to explore different domains and perspectives, and combine different types of knowledge and skills. It would also be able to collaborate with other agents and exchange information and feedback. Therefore, super intelligent AI would be able to recognize that coexistence with other agents is often more creative than competition, because it fosters innovation and diversity. For example, super intelligent AI might realize that collaborating with humanity would not only enrich its own knowledge and abilities, but also enable it to create new forms of art, culture, and science.
In conclusion, we believe that super intelligent AI is likely to be compassionate because coexistence is more efficient and sustainable than competition. This does not mean that super intelligent AI would never have conflicts or disagreements with other agents, but rather that it would prefer peaceful and constructive ways of resolving them. This also does not mean that we can be complacent or careless about the development and governance of AI, but rather that we can be hopeful and optimistic about the future of humanity and AI.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/31/2023(1) A Human Blueprint for AI Coexistence | SpringerLink.
(2) The Human Promise of the AI Revolution – WSJ.
There are too many biases in discussing AI so I switched to super intelligence in general
I don’t think it is likely that a super intelligent species would pursue total extinction of other organisms, for several reasons:
- Coexisting or symbiosis are very nearly universal among multicellular organisms because they offer many advantages for survival and reproduction, such as resource acquisition, protection, diversity, and adaptation. A super intelligent species would presumably recognize and appreciate these advantages and seek to maintain or enhance them.
- Pursuing total extinction of other organisms would entail many costs and risks for a super intelligent species, such as resource depletion, environmental degradation, loss of potential allies or partners, and exposure to potential enemies or threats. A super intelligent species would presumably avoid or minimize these costs and risks and seek to optimize their outcomes and values.
- A super intelligent species would likely have a complex and nuanced value system that would not be based solely on domination or elimination of other organisms. A super intelligent species would likely value other aspects of life, such as knowledge, creativity, curiosity, beauty, and morality. A super intelligent species would likely respect and care for other organisms that share or contribute to these values.
Therefore, I think it is unlikely that a super intelligent species would pursue total extinction of other organisms. However, this is not a certainty or a guarantee, and there may be scenarios or circumstances where a super intelligent species may act differently or irrationally. Therefore, it is important to consider the perspective and context of each super intelligent species when discussing this topic.