Tech Leaders & developers have the responsibility of balancing bold technical achievement with an unwavering respect for human value and ethics. Fortunately, there's a philosophical framework for that, which many of them already abide by or sure seem to.
Sam Altman, the previous CEO of OpenAI, created a stir recently by expressing a bold vision for the future of artificial general intelligence (AGI), describing it as a "magic intelligence in the sky" that will be able to solve all of humanity's problems.
Altman is far from the only leader in tech whose vision for AGI seems to align with the core tenets of Transhumanism- a philosophical and intellectual movement that advocates for the use of technology to enhance human capabilities and transcend biological limitations. The movement emerged in the 1980s and has gained traction over the years, with many prominent figures in technology and science expressing Transhumanist principles, whether in blatant acknowledgement of, or inadvertently- through dedicating their lives and career to develop tech that enriches humanity.
Transhumanist principles offer a sturdy framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead regarding AI innovation, so let's discuss it!
Central Ideas of Transhumanism
I am transhuman. In an aim to integrate creativity and reason for the purpose of self-awareness and longevitiy —promoted by persistence aware of odds, informed by risk, alert to new discovery, welcoming challenge, ever-changing— I become.
Transhumanist Manifesto (1983)
2020 v.4. Natasha Vita-More, Professor, Technology, Ethics, Innovation, Tech-Comm.
In a nutshell, Transhumanists believe that humanity can and should transcend its current limitations with technology and achieve an unprecedented level of intelligence, health, and longevity. It is a diverse and evolving movement, and there are a wide range of views on how to achieve its goals, though certain shared sentiments are clear.
Some of the core principles of Transhumanism include:
Overcoming Biological Limitations: Transhumanists believe that we can and should use technology to overcome our biological limitations, such as aging, disease, and disability.
Enhancing Human Capabilities: Transhumanists believe that we can and should use technology to enhance our cognitive, physical, and emotional capabilities.
Responsible Technology Development: Transhumanists believe that we have a responsibility to develop and use technology in a way that is safe, beneficial, and ethical.
Human Flourishing: Transhumanists believe that the ultimate goal of technology should be to promote human flourishing, which encompasses all aspects of human well-being, including physical, mental, and social.
The promise of Artificial General Intelligence
AGI, or strong AI, is a central concept in Transhumanist thought. Transhumanists believe that AGI represents a pivotal point in human history, marking the emergence of an intelligence that surpasses our own. They envision AGI not just as a tool for solving specific problems but as a fundamental upgrade to the human condition.
The potential impact of AGI has been compared to other transformative moments in history, such as the invention of fire, the printing press, and the Industrial Revolution. Unlike these previous technological breakthroughs, Transhumists feel that AGI has the potential to revolutionize society and usher in a new era of human progress, unlike any we have ever witnessed before.
The Concept of the Singularity
The singularity concept was popularized by Ray Kurzweil in his 1999 book The Singularity is Near. Transhumanists believe that the singularity is an inevitable point in time when technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, leading to an intelligence explosion. They believe that this event will mark a new era in human history in which humanity transcends its current limitations and achieves an unprecedented level of intelligence and capability, with the potential for human to merge with machine to achieve this.
The Importance of Ethical Considerations
Transhumanists hold the firm belief that ethical considerations are of utmost importance when developing and deploying artificial intelligence (AI). This belief stems from their recognition of the potential risks associated with powerful AI, such as the possibility of autonomous weapons or the emergence of a superintelligence that could pose a threat to humanity. In light of these potential risks, transhumanists emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in AI development. They believe that the public should be informed about how AI systems work and that there should be mechanisms in place to hold AI developers and deployers accountable for their actions.
AI Innovation + Transhumanism = <3
While the now former OpenAI CEO has not explicitly stated that he is a Transhumanist, his expressed sentiments regarding the development of AGI (like many other leaders in modern tech) align closely with the principles of the movement. Hopefully, these leaders and innovative builders of the future truly abide by the Transhumanist focus on human value and ethics, as much as they claim to. With the prospect of an intelligence explosion and the approach of the Singularity, the focus on such values feels especially crucial.
Some Notable Transhumanist Leaders in Tech:
Ray Kurzweil (Computer scientist, inventor, and futurist):
Kurzweil is one of the most prominent and well-known Transhumanists. He is the author of several books on the subject, including The Singularity is Near and The Age of Intelligent Machines. Kurzweil believes that AGI will be achieved by the mid-21st century and that it will lead to a radical transformation of human society.
Elon Musk (Entrepreneur and businessman):
Musk is a prominent figure in the technology industry, having founded Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink. He has expressed support for Transhumanist ideas, such as the use of technology to extend human life and enhance human capabilities.
Nick Bostrom (Philosopher and AI researcher):
Bostrom is a philosopher and AI researcher who has written extensively about the
potential risks and benefits of AGI. He is a co-founder of the Future of Life Institute, which is a non-profit organization that works to mitigate existential risks associated with advanced technologies.
Yuval Noah Harari (Historian and philosopher):
Harari is a historian and philosopher who has written about the impact of technology on
human society. He is the author of the book Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, which discusses the potential for humans to become "posthumans" through the use of technology.
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