Wait a second, am I at FR or Slashdot??
Anyway, this is all fascinating stuff. I would venture that human life has ALREADY been irrevocably changed by technology, and has been for some time. The job I do not only didn't exist 15 years ago, it simply wouldn't have made any sense if you tried to explain it.
But AI, I don't buy it. Just because you link up an astonishing amount of processing power does not mean it's going to eventually become self-aware. Some very smart people seem to think that's how it works, as if once there's enough power, it just happens. Maybe if you're an atheist, you think it does.
If we succeed in creating an AI, will that change your views on religion or make you an atheist? (I'm not trying to trap you or make fun of you. I am genuinely curious.)
"But AI, I don't buy it. Just because you link up an astonishing amount of processing power does not mean it's going to eventually become self-aware."
Self-awareness is not the most important question. consider, they already have developed a computer/computer program combination that can play pretty much equal with the best human chess player in the world. Chess used to be considered one of the highest measures of human intelligence. In a short while (if they choose to do it) they can make a computer that can crush any person in chess.
There simply is no limit to this process of development, unfortunately.
Kurzweil is a big time self promoter and carnival barker, so I'd be suspicious of any of his claims. As far as AI goes, we'll probably end up making them organic like the brain already is rather than something like integrated circuits.
I agree. I prefer the term Automated Intelligence.
There's nothing "artificial" about automating the decision process.