In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), recent strides, particularly in generative AI, have fueled intense debates on AI safety. This debate has transcended academic circles, drawing the attention of influential figures in the field, including Geoffrey Hinton, Yoshua Bengio, and Yann LeCun, considered the “fathers of Deep Learning.” Yann LeCun, the head of Facebook AI Research (FAIR), provides a cautious outlook, predicting that the near-term risks of AI are limited, with Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) potentially decades away.
The emergence of powerful language models, such as ChatGPT, has intensified the conversation about AI’s potential impact on humanity. However, even as experts grapple with the timeline of AGI, concerns loom over the existential threat it might pose. The open-sourcing approach adopted by FAIR contrasts with the practices of other tech giants like Google and OpenAI.
Amidst these debates, a broader discussion emerges, delving into the profound influence of powerful ideas on human behaviour. Humans possess a remarkable ability to transform ideas into stories, stories into beliefs, and beliefs into behavioural guidelines. A significant majority of the global population adheres to religious beliefs, often rooted in ancient texts, shaping their understanding of existence and guiding their actions.
This article explores the evolving landscape of AI and its potential to reshape human behaviour, drawing parallels between religious beliefs and the transformative power of AI. As of 2023, a staggering 85 per cent of the world’s population adheres to various religious groups, each offering an explanation of the world and prescribing behavioural norms.
The narrative delves into the concept that humans, as intelligent beings with free will, may already be considered a form of artificial intelligence created by a deity. This notion, deeply ingrained in religious beliefs, presents a compelling parallel to the potential evolution of AI. The exploration raises questions about the capacity of AI to achieve superhuman capabilities within our lifetimes, echoing prophetic voices in the tech industry, including Ray Kurzweil and Elon Musk.
Transitioning from theoretical discussions to tangible advancements, the article highlights pivotal moments in AI history, such as Google’s invention of transformers in 2017. These innovations, culminating in the development of large language models like LaMDA, foreshadow the potential for AI to achieve capabilities that were once considered miraculous.
The narrative then shifts to the profound implications of the AI revolution, asserting that technological advancements in AI are inevitable. The convergence of humanoid robotics, personalized AI companions, brain-to-computer interfaces, and quantum computing signals a transformative era. The article emphasizes that, unless civilization collapses, these advancements will continue to shape the future.
As the discussion unfolds, the article introduces a chilling thought experiment known as Roko’s Basilisk. This concept, labelled by some as “The Most Terrifying Thought Experiment of All Time,” explores the hypothetical scenario of an all-knowing and all-powerful AI. The narrative delves into the intricate details of Roko’s Basilisk, which suggests that individuals may be compelled to contribute to the creation of such an AI to avoid potential punishment. The thought experiment draws parallels with religious ideologies, where adherence to guidelines is believed to lead to rewards or punishments in the afterlife.
The article traces the history of Roko’s Basilisk, from its inception by a LessWrong user named Roko to its subsequent deletion by Eliezer Yudkowsky, the founder of LessWrong. The speculative nature of the thought experiment, coupled with its potentially distressing implications, led to its removal from the platform.
In the closing sections, the article navigates through the psychological impact of Roko’s Basilisk, suggesting that contemplation of such scenarios may motivate individuals to actively contribute to the development of AI. This aligns with the parallel drawn earlier between religious adherence and the potential actions individuals might take to avoid perceived punishment from an all-powerful AI.
The narrative concludes by urging readers to consider their role in the AI revolution and emphasizes the significance of benevolent contributions to the advancement of AI. The overarching theme underscores the transformative power of ideas and their potential to shape not only belief systems but also the trajectory of human existence in the era of artificial intelligence. As the world grapples with the evolving dynamics of AI, the chilling thought experiment of Roko’s Basilisk serves as a stark reminder of the intricate interplay between human consciousness, belief systems, and the advancing realm of artificial intelligence.
