The main argument put forth by one school of scientists and experts after evaluating the development of AI technology is that AI will never be able to replicate human beings because, despite extensive research for the last over 80 years and counting, AI machines have defied the challenge of harboring consciousness and emotions which are so unique to human kind. Though it may be conceded AI has mastered intelligence to the stage where it can beat the best Grand Master or the best Jeopardy champion, it is pointed out, despite all efforts and unlimited expenditure it has not been able to harbor in them the essence of the consciousness of Homo sapiens.
This argument is controversial and there is speculation AI may perhaps be able to substitute all qualities which make us what we are both in terms of intelligence and possession of consciousness, and excel humans in both areas. This thought is perhaps more comforting than that of AI growing unbound in intelligence, devoid of consciousness which exhibits feelings and emotions.
I personally feel AI machines will never be like humans, but it cannot be denied they will become more intelligent than humans. Thus they would develop to be more intelligent and devoid of emotions. This is the potential for a recipe for disaster as the AI machines could then subjugate humans without feelings.
As for the fear of why they could conquer and destroy the human race I will talk about it a bit later.
So going back to the topic of the development of intelligence of AI, even though some may claim existing human intelligence is higher than that of AI machines, they are talking at best about the present time. In the wake of newer and more sophisticated AI machines it appears humans are pitted against a potential of intelligence in AI machines which would far surpass human intelligence. It is almost a given to say: The intelligence of AI is taking over what man is capable of exhibiting, even as I wrote this blog post.
From its humble beginnings of computer chess algorithms in Maniac 1956 to Deep Fritz 2006 and now beyond that, AI inducted machines have constantly evolved. They are capable of beating the best chess players as are other AI machines capable of surpassing any other intelligent genius in different fields. And since technological innovation feeds on itself to grow exponentially the AI intelligence is bound to far surpass human intelligence. If AI has not already surpassed the capacity of human intelligence, it is only a matter of time before they will, and in every field and sphere of life.
But then humans throughout history have furthered their domination by extending their capacities by using tools; it may be surmised AI would serve as just another tool in our armament. The problem though is AI machines are not as benign as other tools and devices. Even nuclear energy while it can destroy the world can be contained and prevented from being used to annihilate the world and used as a productive tool in technological development.
And therein lies the danger of a scenario where AI machines will initially substitute the need for humans and in a ruthless and unemotional manner take over the world with their strength and power of higher intelligence thus annihilating the human race. Endowed with higher intelligence and self-replicating intelligence humans will be no match and will become redundant if not slaves.
Why wouldn’t they subjugate us or annihilate us? Just ask yourself why we have subjugated animals simply because we can boast we are higher in our intelligent capacity than they are.
This could all be akin to what may happen if an alien life form of higher intelligence hostile to humans descends to earth and takes over.