SynopsisHumankind is now at the crossroads of perhaps our most unique moment in our short history as a species on Earth. Given enough computing power, data, and time, it is inevitable that at some point in our not-too-distant future, we will succeed in creating a form of artificial intelligence that far surpasses our own. And when that time comes - and it ......, Humankind is now at the crossroads of perhaps our most unique moment in our short history as a species on Earth. Given enough computing power, data, and time, it is inevitable that at some point in our not-too-distant future, we will succeed in creating a form of artificial intelligence that far surpasses our own. And when that time comes - and it really appears to be a matter of when, not if - how will such a being respond to us? In Building a God, Christopher DiCarlo, a global leader in the ethics of artificial intelligence, unpacks the tangled web surrounding AI, revealing to readers what we know, what we don't, and how we might prepare ourselves for eventualities that we don't know we don't know yet. Through ethical reasoning and sound critical thinking, DiCarlo explores the future of AI - its benefits, harms, and governance. Surely, AI will positively impact our lives in myriad ways: from healthcare to education, manufacturing to sustainability, AI-powered tools will improve productivity and add ease to the most massive global industries and to our own personal daily routines alike. But, we have already witnessed the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the risks of this new technology: AI algorithms can manipulate human behavior, spread disinformation, shape public opinion, and impact democratic processes. Sophisticated technologies such as GPT-4, Dall-E 2, and video Deepfakes allow users to create, distort, and alter information. Perhaps more troubling is the foundational lack of transparency in both the utilization and design of AI models. What ethical precepts should be determined for AI, and by whom? And what will happen if rogue abusers decide not to comply with such ethical guidelines? How should we enforce these precepts? Should the UN develop a Charter or Accord which all member states agree to and sign off on? Should governments develop a form of international regulative body similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which regulates not only the use of nuclear energy, but nuclear weaponry as well? In this incisive and cogent meditation on the future of AI, DiCarlo argues for the ethical governance of AI by identifying the key components, obstacles, and points of progress gained so far by the global community, and by putting forth thoughtful and measured policies to regulate this dangerous technology., Renowned ethicist provides essential guide to successfully navigating the future AI landscape In Building a God , Christopher DiCarlo explores the profound implications of artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence--a destiny that seems not just possible, but inevitable. At this critical crossroad in our evolutionary history, DiCarlo, a renowned ethicist in AI, delves into the ethical mazes and technological quandaries of our future interactions with superior AI entities. From healthcare enhancements to the risks of digital manipulation, this book scrutinizes AI's dual potential to elevate or devastate humanity. DiCarlo advocates for robust global governance of AI, proposing visionary policies to safeguard our society. AI will positively impact our lives in myriad ways: from healthcare to education, manufacturing to sustainability, AI-powered tools will improve productivity and add ease to the most massive global industries and to our own personal daily routines alike. But, we have already witnessed the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the risks of this new technology: AI algorithms can manipulate human behavior, spread disinformation, shape public opinion, and impact democratic processes. Sophisticated technologies such as GPT-4, Dall-E 2, and video Deepfakes allow users to create, distort, and alter information. Perhaps more troubling is the foundational lack of transparency in both the utilization and design of AI models. What ethical precepts should be determined for AI, and by whom? And what will happen if rogue abusers decide not to comply with such ethical guidelines? How should we enforce these precepts? Should the UN develop a Charter or Accord which all member states agree to and sign off on? Should governments develop a form of international regulative body similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which regulates not only the use of nuclear energy, but nuclear weaponry as well? In this incisive and cogent meditation on the future of AI, DiCarlo argues for the ethical governance of AI by identifying the key components, obstacles, and points of progress gained so far by the global community, and by putting forth thoughtful and measured policies to regulate this dangerous technology., From the Introduction: When building a god, we must be very; very, careful, for we are at the crossroads of perhaps our most unique moment in our short history as a species. For the first time in our existence, we possess the curiosity, capacity, and greed to create an artificially intelligent being (or beings) so intelligent and so powerful there is a probable likelihood that its construction may bring about the end of our own existence. The major gods of past and current cultures have always been a top-down form of metaphysical being that possesses qualities and characteristics of being all-intelligent (omniscience), all-powerful (omnipotence), ever-present (omnipresence), and all-good (omnibenevolence)…. With the increasingly rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), we are witnessing a bottom-up approach wherein it is us, the humans, who have to figure out what moral precepts and commands should go into the making of such a being so that it will not turn against us and harm us in various ways-intentionally or accidentally. Given enough computing power, data, and time, it is inevitable that at some point in our not-too-distant future we will succeed in creating a form of intelligence that far surpasses our own. And when that time comes-and it really appears to be a matter of when, not if-how will such a being respond to us? How will such a god-like being react to our attempts for control and guidance? The answer is a bit unsettling: No one knows. Throughout this book, we will … [reflect] on what we know about know about AI and what we don't know about it, and then try to prepare ourselves for eventualities that we don't even know we don't know about what may come.
LC Classification NumberQ334.7.D53 2025