Generative artificial intelligence, LLMs (large language models) and AI search are built upon the shoulders of centuries of accumulated human knowledge and experience. This was made possible by free access to the open web. However, lack of concern for the interests of people who create and own the rights to high quality original content might derail AI projects.
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The idea that we can only know what we think was expressed by Rene Descartes in the phrase ‘I think, therefore I am’. Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius described the nature of our thoughts shaping our mind and soul. We should consider such concepts in relation to the influence of artificial intelligence on our cognitive thinking skills and decision making, that form our sense of self and perception of reality.
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During prehistory our ancestors lived as hunter gatherers. They had a close relationship with the natural world. Prior to the development of writing, knowledge was passed on verbally from each generation to the next. Weaving ideas into mythological stories made it easier for people to remember them and they could provide people with shared cultural values, helping them to find structure, meaning and purpose in life. The myths often featured magical characters and imagined worlds alongside those of our human world. As civilisations grew, increasingly complex social structures gave rise to stories that provided people with a sense of community. The Enlightenment and The Industrial Revolution gave rise to a world in which science fiction stories emerged as people began to view the world through the lens of scientific and technological innovations.
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Pushing the boundaries of imagination and creativity, science fiction can explore the potential impact of scientific and technological innovations on society and how we live. The stories might reflect contemporary issues and contemplate questions about the future of humanity. Through visionary storytelling, stories can provoke questions about the meaning and purpose of life and inspire our imagination. Prior to the development of cinema, these ideas were explored in the works of writers such as Mary Shelley and H.G. Wells.
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Generations of film makers and audiences have looked to movies as a way of expressing and experiencing shared concerns about life, both as individuals and as a society. In addition to characters and narratives in science fiction books, many science fiction movies and television shows have inspired and been inspired by developments in the real world.
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Within their fictional worlds, science fiction stories can explore the impact of technology on human society. Free from the constraints imposed by our present reality or passing fashions, they can consider different perspectives and possible outcomes. The stories can include themes that reflect those affecting our society, such as the future of artificial intelligence, without worrying about accurately depicting details of competing forces in our own reality. For example, what jobs will be replaced by AI and what impact will AI have on education, health care and democracy.
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There is disagreement among experts regarding the possible impact of artificial intelligence, but most believe it will radically alter how we live and work. While some highlight the benefits and opportunities of AI and claim it will deliver increased prosperity, others fear AI could lead to mass unemployment, loss of social cohesion or even civilisational collapse. In this article I explore some of the issues related to the use of AI, particularly regarding individuals and small businesses.
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When competing to sell products and services that return a profit on investment, business owners seek opportunities to meet or create customer demand. Rather than reacting to change, an organisation that anticipates and prepares in advance can benefit from early mover advantage. Whether in the private or public sector, delivery of projects over a number of years can be influenced by as yet unknown future economic, demographic, social, geopolitical, environmental or regulatory factors, scientific discoveries and technology innovations. Predicting the future using futurology might provide insights that inform decision making and increase the probability of success.
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Parallels have been drawn between the impact of the Industrial Revolution and increasing use of artificial intelligence and robotics. Many concerns regarding employment, economic inequality, environmental and social issues voiced today are similar to those discussed during that period. When seeking answers to the challenges confronting us in the twenty-first century, we might learn something by having a better understanding of what people experienced in the past.
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