Since the invention of robotics and artificial intelligence, humans have feared losing control over these creations in a Frankensteinian turn of events. Though the idea of machines surpassing human intelligence seems like the contrived theme of a science fiction production, with the recent developments in technology, the idea might not be so farfetched. This belief is embodied in the concept of technological singularity, which describes the possibility of artificial intelligence becoming capable of autonomous self-improvement, thus building superior versions of itself and yielding levels of intelligence incomprehensible to humans. Whether this event is probable relies on several different occurrences, including the invention of technology adequately advanced to develop self-awareness and enhance itself, and the ability to do so prior to human intervention terminating the subsequent cascade of events. In light of the superhuman tasks technology can accomplish, the invention of semi-autonomous technology, and the rapid evolution of the technology today, it might not be inconceivable to envision a world in which artificial intelligence surpasses humans.
Already, the technical abilities of machines far exceed those of humans in many fields. In a simple example, take the invention of the calculator, which is designed to execute complex mathematical queries. Though these perplexing problems are certainly solvable by humans, the speed and accuracy at which a calculator performs these onerous computations far surpasses human potential. Despite having been invented by humans, the capacity of the calculator to resolve mathematical inquiries transcends human ability. Granted, the capability of computing equations does not indicate superiority altogether; nevertheless, this illustration demonstrates how technology promises to outshine human ability in diverse disciplines.
Furthermore, some modern innovations function nearly independently of human input. Though most of the technology individuals interact with on a daily basis requires human involvement, select inventions have the ability to operate unassisted. The creation of driverless cars provides a glimpse into the future of autonomous technology. These semiautonomous vehicles are capable of driving and parking, without dependence on humans, solely relying on input from the environment. These cars not only function unaccompanied, but also perform more reliably and safely than humans do, demonstrating the upward progression of semiautonomous technology. Future innovations herald further advancements in the field of self-governing technology, at a staggeringly increasing rate.
In fact, the rate at which technology is developing far exceeds the rate at which humans are evolving. This notion is encapsulated in Moore’s Law, which, in simple terms, states that the processing power of computers doubles every two years. The rate at which technology is developing reflects an exponential pattern of improvement and overwhelms the scale of human evolution, suggesting the feasibility of technology to surpass human capabilities. Therefore, notwithstanding the fact that technology has yet to eclipse human ability, the rate at which machines are developing indicates the potential for them to do so.
Skeptics of technological singularity assert the unlikelihood of such a series of events occurring as a result of the logistical hindrances associated. These obstacles are related to the invention of sufficiently advanced technology and the circumstance that humans fail to maintain the ability to abort the system. Still, however compelling this argument, the rate of evolution of technology imparts a higher likelihood of this sequence of occurrences to transpire. In addition, other critics purport that human superiority relies on characteristics that are innately human, like creativity and self-awareness, claiming that robots cannot be endowed with these qualities. In spite of this, others argue for the potential to bestow machines with these qualities through programming, for even much of human behavior can be predicted and modeled.
Despite these foreseeable hurdles and the contingency of technological singularity on several factors, the possibility for artificial intelligence to exceed human superiority seems attainable due to the aforementioned evidence describing the superhuman abilities of human innovations, the development of semiautonomous machines, and the rapid rate of technological evolution. Though the future of technology is unpredictable, the potential for manmade machines to surpass human superiority cannot be overlooked.
Ephemeral GirlyGirl 