THE ANCIENT INTELLIGENT ANIMAL AND THE NEW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

These are the occasions in which man has demonstrated his intelligence, certainly not imposing itself as the strongest animal, or fast, or skilled, but showing himself capable of managing a superior instrument with his adaptable intelligence, exercising his ability with which he has always been able to adapt to those numerous historical changes which today are called technological changes.

- Actuality -

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In these days one of the most present topics in the news and in social media it is focusing on AI (Artificial Intelligences) and its positive implications, but above all negative, especially with the summit that is being celebrated in Paris: AI Action Summit.

It is appropriate to start from two important premises: each of these systems is ultimately an instrument in the hands of man and for this reason reflects with an unimaginable enhancement nowadays the same research and way of thinking and acting of man. Therefore it is man himself who can direct the instrument to help and improve progress, science and human life itself, how can he use this tool for the worst nightmares ever experienced in history.

The very concept of Intelligence must be clarified: Due to their power and speed, the systems can achieve calculations and operations that human beings individually or in groups would not be able to easily achieve, but so far they are sectoral and specific operations; while the singularity of human Intelligence is characterized by creativity and simultaneity in operating multiple functions and themes. The fear is not so much about where artificial intelligence systems can arrive as tools, but to what point is laziness reaching, the reluctance, the ignorance and inactivity that people are reaching in everyday life, favoring leisure in an increasingly vain and superficial world, rather than trying to best develop one's qualities, gifts and abilities.

Today life itself is structured to be lived passively, in zombie or “amoeba” mode, despite having access to unlimited information at our fingertips and with such a vast range of technical tools and technologists with which we could work wonders.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming society and the world of work, so much so that its development and diffusion raise important ethical questions, social and economic. While Europe pursues as a strategy a theoretical framework of a regulatory and human-centered approach, especially the protection of fundamental rights, the United States and Asia, especially China, they instead chose a pragmatic and economic approach where they left carte blanche for innovation and competition. There has been a massive investment in AI research and development by governments with the sole goal of achieving the leadership worldwide in the sector.

One of the main concerns about AI is its potential impact on the world of work: the automation of production processes would lead to an increase in unemployment and social inequality, especially in the manufacturing sectors, agricultural, of trade and services.

The other important issue is the ecological impact, AI models are complex and require enormous amounts of energy, with a consequent significant impact on the environment. The widespread use of smart devices and the production of large amounts of data also raise concerns about natural resource consumption and e-waste management. Exists, along with the two concerns just indicated, also the danger of losing control over AI and the consequent fear of developing capabilities that can surpass human control and generate unpredictable consequences for society. Equal fear generates the danger of the improper use of AI for harmful purposes, such as the creation of autonomous weapons or the manipulation of public opinion.

AIs have an immediate and devastating impact in different generations of society, especially the older ones, who are much more vulnerable, as well as defenseless and often unable to grasp the danger when they find themselves involved in scams , thefts and deceptions for which they are not prepared, not having received adequate information from anyone, today more pressing than ever, about the dangers that may arise.

If AI as a powerful technology offers great opportunities, at the same time it also raises big questions. On the one hand, an open dialogue that takes into account the potential benefits as well as the risks for workers and the environment appears essential, so that its development and use is ethical and sustainable and aimed at the good of humanity. But, as you know, when money is involved it is difficult to have a solid guarantee on the operation of the project, and everything could remain within the ideal scope of beautiful words.

Workplace AI will not lead to the abolition of human work if we accept the profound transformation of the labor market that is already taking place, It is therefore essential to invest in education and training to prepare workers to coexist with AI as humans did in the past with the arrival of the steam engine or the automobile.; because these are the occasions in which man has demonstrated his intelligence, certainly not imposing itself as the strongest animal, or fast, or skilled, but showing himself capable of managing a superior instrument with his adaptable intelligence, exercising his ability with which he has always been able to adapt to those numerous historical changes which today are called technological changes, reinventing new activities and developing new skills.

 

the Island of Patmos, 15 February 2025

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