Yuval Noah Harari: ‘How Do We Share the Planet With This New Superintelligence?’
Israeli historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari discusses the consequences of artificial intelligence as explored in his latest book, Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks From the Stone Age to AI. Harari raises concerns about how AI could impact democracy, totalitarianism, and the very fabric of human communication. His insights are particularly relevant in light of recent global trends towards populism and techno-fascism.
Key Points
- Harari argues that the widespread belief that technology, particularly AI, would lead to increased understanding and peace is overly naive.
- Unlike previous technologies, AI acts as an agent capable of generating new ideas and making decisions independently from human control.
- The potential emergence of a singularity poses a risk where humanity might lose comprehension and control over societal structures influenced by AI.
- Harari emphasises the importance of establishing trust among humans before trusting advanced AIs, as the latter could fundamentally reshape social and economic dynamics.
- He warns that AI can create complex networks of finance and trust that may become incomprehensible to humans, potentially leading to a loss of control.
Why should I read this?
This article delves into crucial discussions around the ethical and societal implications of AI. As we advance deeper into the age of superintelligence, understanding Harari’s perspectives on trust, decision-making, and the potential risks of AI is vital for anyone interested in the future of humanity in relation to technology. This topic is increasingly relevant as AI continues to integrate into various aspects of life and governance.
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