Are Humans Obsolete?
Aliens
Aliens
Of course, humans are not obsolete yet, but could they soon be?
We are in times where science fiction often becomes fact.
For years people have speculated as to how far advanced alien technology could be, especially in the area of artificial intelligence.
We have speculated as to whether, due to the time involved, aliens have sent robots with artificial intelligence on space exploration missions. Some have even speculated the possibility of alien artificial intelligence advancing to the stage where it actually takes over as the predominant mind.
Humans
We struggle to fully understand our human mind.
The human mind is the most complex thing that we have come in contact with and some say that this is the problem. We cannot possibly fully understand the human mind if, the human mind is the only tool we have to work with.
Basically they are saying that we are faced with an enigma. We would have to fully understand the use of our mind in order to understand the complexities of it.
The Blue Brain Project
A Solution
This situation could be about to change.
A team of scientists in Germany have been granted close to one billion dollars to create, what they say will be an artificial intelligence that will be virtually indistinguishable from the human brain.
It is hoped that this, outside intelligence, will assist us in understanding our own brains. It is also hoped that this will help us solve some of the other mysteries of life.
Henry Markram, director of the project hopes to reach its completion within ten years.
Whose the Boss?
The Future
To start with, I think we will have to define a line between consciousness and life.
Science Fiction is certainly catching up with us. We will be faced with new ethical debates as we quickly find a new breed of artificial intelligence inside our households.
Just as a human mind is capable of creating machines, an equal artificial intelligence would also be. We must take adequate precautions to ensure that the “AI” does not become the predominant mind.
Blending science and science fiction is good, up to a point. Fiction however, too often shows “AI” taking over and that part we do not need as it could make us obsolete.
I do however look forward to reading a first hub to be written by an AI, perhaps on philosophy?
