AI to ASI - an unknowably unknown future: chapter 3

 

Chapter 3: ASI 

Artificial super intelligence (ASI) is a hypothetical type of artificial intelligence (AI) that would have the ability to understand or learn any intellectual task that a human being can, and then surpass human intelligence in every way. ASI is sometimes referred to as super AI or superintelligent AI.

Some scientists hypothesize once an AI system achieves AGI, it could simply reiterate and surpass human intelligence by factor of 10s or maybe even more. This sudden jump to ASI is referred to as intelligence explosion. However, we could be further away from reality as another school of thought thinks it would be a gradual increase in intelligence, the fact is we are not anywhere near AGI/ASI and this is the first time in human history we are trying to create machines which are more intelligent than humans. There are certainly no blue prints that can be followed, and hence the predictions surrounding this all the more varied amongst experts. 

ASI is a long-term goal of many AI researchers, but it is still a long way off. Current AI systems are mostly "narrow AI" systems, which are designed to solve a specific problem or task. For example, there are AI systems that can play chess, translate languages, or diagnose diseases. However, these systems are not able to generalize their knowledge to other tasks.

ASI would need to be able to learn and understand information from the real world in a way that is similar to how humans do. It would also need to be able to reason and solve problems in a way that is creative and flexible and gradually will probably make us irrelevant. 

There is a thought experiment conducted by James Barrat, a documentary film maker in his book "Our final invention". Here he argues that nothing stops an ASI to stop gathering resources for itself and makes itself better. Darker side, is there anyway ASI would not see us as resources, remember information is etched at the atomic level, and we human beings are made up of that, hence an ASI can look at us resources to put it to their advantage. 

One way to get rid of this problem is if we can program friendliness in the DNA of ASI. It's easier said than done. We do not yet know how to program a computer to experience emotions, let alone making it a friendly entity for humans. This is currently debated in the academic circles. 

Science fiction author Isaac Assimov came up with the 3 laws of robotics in his books as a guidance to build automate machines. These are as follows: 

1)    1)  A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2)    2)   A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3)    3)   A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. 

Al   Although,  these laws are part of a work of fiction and I suspect it has more to do with creating dramatic situations in the novels than act as a real life guidance in creating ASI, but it does give us something to ponder about. 

There are many challenges that need to be overcome before ASI can be achieved. One challenge is the need for large amounts of data. ASI systems would need to be trained on massive datasets of text, images, and other information. Another challenge is the need for more powerful hardware. ASI systems would need to be able to process information at very high speeds.

 

Despite the challenges, there is a growing belief that ASI is possible. Some experts believe that ASI could be achieved within the next few decades. Others believe that it may take longer, but that it is inevitable.

Here are some of the potential benefits of ASI:

 ASI could help us to solve some of the world's most pressing problems, such as climate change, poverty, and disease.

ASI could lead to new technological innovations that improve our lives in many ways.

ASI could help us to better understand ourselves and the world around us.

Here are some of the potential risks of ASI:

 ASI could lead to job displacement as machines become capable of doing more and more tasks that are currently done by humans.

ASI could pose a security risk if it falls into the wrong hands.

ASI could lead to the development of superintelligence, which could pose an existential threat to humanity.

 The development of ASI is a complex and challenging task, but it is one that has the potential to change the world in profound ways. It is important to start planning now for the future of ASI so that we can ensure that it is used for good. But, whether ASI along with other technological advancements lead to "singularity" as coined by Ray Kurzweil. I will touch upon singularity in the next chapter. Meanwhile, please provide me with feedback in the below comments section.