Mind Matters Natural and Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis

TagAI

big-data-and-artificial-intelligence-concept-machine-learning-and-circuit-board-deep-learning-stockpack-adobe-stock
Big data and artificial intelligence concept. Machine learning and circuit board. Deep learning
Type
post
Caitlin Cory
Date
May 6, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , ,

Final Release of COSM 2023 Videos!

The fourth and final tranche of COSM 2023 videos is now available.
Caitlin Cory
May 6, 2024
3
Artificial Intelligence

The fourth and final tranche of COSM 2023 videos is now available — featuring topics such as how advances in artificial intelligence may affect automobile transportation, solutions to the vast amounts of energy artificial intelligence will require, and why we might be on the brink of seeing the most disruptive innovations the world has ever seen. If you weren’t able to attend, or perhaps you want to revisit some of your favorite speakers, take a look at our COSM 2023 playlist on YouTube! A few highlights of the recently released videos: You can also watch backstage interviews, in which Senior Fellow Jay Richards goes into greater depth with several speakers on the topics addressed onstage. Click here to go to Read More ›

robot-android-men-running-stockpack-adobe-stock
robot android men running
Type
post
Gary Varner
Date
May 4, 2024
Categorized
Arts & Culture
Tagged
, , , , , , , ,

I, Robot Review, Part 2: The Ghosts in the Machine

Dr. Lanning describes these ghosts as random segments of code and asks questions like why robots choose to stand together rather than alone when they’re stored in a dark place
Gary Varner
May 4, 2024
7
Arts & Culture
Dr. Calvin has been put in charge of decommissioning Sonny, but she’s found some unsettling things about the robot. For one thing, it can break The Three Laws. Read More ›
pen-writing-letter-stockpack-adobe-stock
Pen, Writing, Letter.
Type
post
Peter Biles
Date
May 3, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , ,

The Uniqueness of the Human Writer

LLMs are shortcuts, but sometimes the shortcut makes you miss the point of the journey
Peter Biles
May 3, 2024
4
Artificial Intelligence
The place of the human writer in our increasingly automated world has been a point of debate for years, even before the advent of ChatGPT. Read More ›
system-artificial-intelligence-chatgpt-chat-bot-ai-technology-smart-robot-ai-chat-gpt-application-software-robot-application-chat-gpt-generative-ai-stockpack-adobe-stock
System Artificial intelligence ChatGPT Chat Bot AI , Technology smart robot Ai Chat GPT application software , robot application Chat GPT. Generative AI
Type
post
News
Date
May 3, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , , , ,

Does ChatGPT Think?

Are Large Language Models like ChatGPT capable of legitimate thought?
News
May 3, 2024
1
Artificial Intelligence

It’s one of the hot topic questions and will almost certainly continue to be. Are Large Language Models like ChatGPT capable of legitimate thought? And what counts as “thinking”? Is there a quality to the concept that makes it distinctly human, or are the tech futurists right? Can AI computation be considered a type of cognitive activity? Stephen Wolfram, George Gilder, and Bob Metcalfe spoke on the possibilities and limits of AI at last year’s star-studded COSM conference. We are experiencing watershed moments in technology, with lots of hype to go along with it, but are we putting the cart before the horse in some cases? Discover more in this special recording on YouTube.

futuristic-ai-woman-the-evolution-of-agi-in-a-digital-world-facial-recognition-artificial-intelligence-ai-generated-art-stockpack-adobe-stock
Futuristic AI Woman: The Evolution of AGI in a Digital World, Facial recognition, Artificial Intelligence, AI Generated Art
Type
post
News
Date
May 2, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , ,

Don’t Trust AI to Sketch Your Suspects

The resemblance is definitely NOT uncanny in this case
News
May 2, 2024
2
Artificial Intelligence

A man broke into an old woman’s house recently, and after being described to the police in Kent, England, an AI image of the fellow was rendered. Usually, of course, an artist will sketch the profile of the criminal suspect based on details provided by the witness, but now AI is having its shot; only, the result was laughable. The profile looked like it could have come from the 2008 version of the Wii. It isn’t detailed, the neck and head aren’t ratioed like a real person’s would be, and it just simply came out cartoonish. Frank Landymore reported on the incident over at Futurism, writing, The suspect is described as being a white man around five feet, five inches Read More ›

glowing-mind-image-mixed-media-stockpack-adobe-stock
Glowing mind image . Mixed media
Type
post
Joshua R. Farris
Date
May 1, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , , , , , , ,

No, Chatbots Are Not Conscious 

The arguments in favor of computer consciousness remain weak
Joshua R. Farris
May 1, 2024
3
Artificial Intelligence

In the midst of all the chatter surrounding AI and chatbots, one might be led to believe that the concepts of consciousness or even the soul, let alone the afterlife, are simply relics of outdated beliefs. This sentiment is often echoed by some scientists, raising the question: Is this truly the case? And should we readily accept this perspective? In a recent episode of Mindscape, renowned philosopher and cognitive scientist Raphael Millerie, who boasts an Oxford education and is now a fellow at the Center of Science and Society, teamed up with Sean Carroll, a prominent theoretical physicist known for debunking notions of the soul and the afterlife, to delve into the world of chatbots and AI (see episode 230). Read More ›

abstract-landscape-colorful-art-landscape-with-the-tower-of-babel-in-dramatic-light-art-illustration-digital-art-image-stockpack-adobe-stock
Abstract landscape. Colorful art landscape with the tower of Babel in dramatic light. Art illustration. Digital art image.
Type
post
Erik J. Larson
Date
April 30, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , , , ,

The New Tower of Babel

The old ways of arguing and understanding each other are on the decline, if not on life support.
Erik J. Larson
April 30, 2024
16
Artificial Intelligence

We all know Babel (no, not the language learning company). It’s in Genesis. The Biblical story about God making so many languages and dialects and (let’s add) opinions that no one could understand each other or effectively communicate. One legacy of the triumph of digital technology and AI in every corner of our existence is that we’ve recreated this Babel. Let me try to unpack this, and bear with me if it seems I’m saying something derogatory about one belief or another — my aim is to avoid that game and try to explain the mechanism, the social and cultural story, by which our new Babel is ascendant, and the old ways of arguing and understanding each other are on Read More ›

Image1
Type
post
Peter Biles
Date
April 30, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , ,

Robert J. Marks Discusses Artificial Intelligence in D.C.

Marks is making the rounds talking about AI and his new book.
Peter Biles
April 30, 2024
2
Artificial Intelligence
Marks’ views on AI are valuable contributions to the current discourse on the topic, so it’s wonderful his book is making a splash with some big names. Read More ›
large-language-models-generative-ai-illustration-stockpack-adobe-stock
Large Language Models - Generative AI illustration
Type
post
Gary Smith
Date
April 29, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , ,

Large Language Models Are Often Wrong, Never in Doubt

LLMs are statistically driven text generators, nothing more
Gary Smith
April 29, 2024
3
Artificial Intelligence
As an economist, professor, and writer, I am reportedly in imminent danger of being replaced by large language models (LLMs). I’m not worried. Read More ›
ai-artificial-intelligence-concept3d-renderingconceptual-image-stockpack-adobe-stock
AI, Artificial Intelligence concept,3d rendering,conceptual image.
Type
post
News
Date
April 26, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , , ,

Is AI’s Future Open or Closed?

Watch Archana Vemulapalli, Head of Solutions Architecture at Amazon Web Services, discuss developments in artificial intelligence
News
April 26, 2024
1
Artificial Intelligence

Watch Archana Vemulapalli, Head of Solutions Architecture at Amazon Web Services, discuss developments in artificial intelligence with Bryan Mistele, CEO of transportation analytics provider, INRIX – especially ways in which AI can be employed to make people more productive and efficient, and in the end, make the world a better place. You can watch this video and many more from the most recent COSM conference, which featured leading thinkers and pioneers in the fields of tech, artificial intelligence, and computing.

COSM-Ray-Kurzweil-screen
Type
post
News
Date
April 25, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , ,

Does AI Make Immortality Possible?

Ray Kurzweil speaks out
News
April 25, 2024
1
Artificial Intelligence

Technology futurists are confident that artificial intelligence will soon surpass human intelligence, but will it enhance human longevity too? Computer scientist and pioneer Ray Kurzweil addresses this question in his fascinating lecture at COSM 2023, the national tech summit that witnesses the best minds on tech, AI, and its intersections with society. See Kurzweil talk about the direction he thinks AI is currently headed, and how our longevity could be affected as a result. See also a number of other exciting and timely videos from the most recent COSM conference for more material on these topics!

futuristic-ai-robot-in-priest-attire-stands-inside-church-and-preaching-setting-combines-traditional-religious-elements-with-advanced-technology-showcasing-unique-blend-of-past-and-future-stockpack-adobe-stock
Futuristic AI robot in priest attire stands inside church and preaching. Setting combines traditional religious elements with advanced technology, showcasing unique blend of past and future.
Type
post
Peter Biles
Date
April 24, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence, Religion
Tagged
, , , , , , ,

Father Justin, a Chatbot, is Absolving Sinners

Critics are calling for the AI priest to be "taken down immediately."
Peter Biles
April 24, 2024
3
Artificial Intelligence, Religion

Catholic Answers is a “media ministry that serves Christ by explaining and defending the Catholic faith,” according to their description on X. For Catholic observers, it serves as a good resource for deepening one’s faith and finding clarification on certain Catholic doctrines. However, the site recently introduced a controversial new member to the team: Father Justin, a chatbot “priest” designed to help answer people’s questions about Catholicism. In defense of this AI app, Catholic Answers said, As a leading Catholic apostolate, Catholic Answers is committed to leveraging the latest technologies to advance its mission of explaining and defending the Catholic faith. The Father Justin app is the latest example of this commitment, providing a new and appealing way for searchers Read More ›

university-college-audience-or-lecture-room-with-students-as-back-to-school-education-study-and-learning-during-conference-presentation-and-training-seminar-meeting-stockpack-adobe-stock
University college audience or lecture room with students as back to school education study and learning during conference presentation and training seminar meeting
Type
post
Jeffrey Funk and Gary Smith
Date
April 23, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , ,

Universities Should Prioritize Critical Thinking Over Large Language Models

It is doubtful that LLMs can generate novel ways to boost productivity
Jeffrey Funk and Gary Smith
April 23, 2024
7
Artificial Intelligence
No matter how many words they train on and no matter how many human trainers correct their mistakes, they will continue to lack the critical thinking skills. Read More ›
data-reflecting-on-eyeglasses-on-mans-face-computrer-programmer-big-data-and-ux-designer-concept-stockpack-adobe-stock
Data reflecting on eyeglasses on man's face. Computrer programmer big data and ux designer concept
Type
post
Jeffrey Funk
Date
April 22, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , , , ,

AI’s Illusion of Rapid Progress

It always seems to be on the verge of perfection
Jeffrey Funk
April 22, 2024
6
Artificial Intelligence
Too many people are extrapolating from the systems that are purportedly automated, even though they aren’t yet working properly. Read More ›
big-data-and-artificial-intelligence-concept-machine-learning-and-cyber-mind-domination-concept-in-form-of-women-face-on-dark-blue-technology-background-3d-illustration-stockpack-adobe-stock
Big data and artificial intelligence concept. Machine learning and cyber mind domination concept in form of women face on dark blue technology background, 3d illustration.
Type
post
Peter Biles
Date
April 21, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , , ,

Joe Rogan Spins Bizarre Take on Evolution and AI

The podcaster thinks AI could become "God"
Peter Biles
April 21, 2024
2
Artificial Intelligence

Joe Rogan recently sat down with Tucker Carlson to have an often-bizarre conversation that involved everything from UFOs to evolution to saunas. Rogan’s comments on artificial intelligence, however, were some of the most provocative of the exchange, and reflected a sentiment common among futurists and transhumanists: AI could become a life form, evolve, and replace the human race. Rogan situates his views by noting that only humans think humans are important. In the grand scheme of the cosmos, human life is inconsequential. He went on to note that AI could become “God,” and evolve to a certain point where it would basically know everything there is to know. The question is: why would anyone want that, and why should that Read More ›

new-york-city-skyline-stockpack-adobe-stock
New York City Skyline
Type
post
Peter Biles
Date
April 17, 2024
Categorized
Arts & Culture
Tagged
, , , , , ,

Doc Ock and His Sentient AI Arms

Could AI ever control the human mind?
Peter Biles
April 17, 2024
3
Arts & Culture

It’s interesting that the Spider-Man universe (or multiverse, I guess) is studded with well-meaning villains. In my last movie review, we looked at Norman Osborn and his tragic transformation into the Green Goblin. What’s odd about his character is that he’s almost a father figure to Peter Parker throughout the film, offering support, guidance, wisdom. It’s the allure of a mysterious form of biotechnology and corporate pressure that sends him off the deep end. It isn’t so different with the iconic Dr. Octopus. An idealist set on inventing a new source of perpetual energy, Dr. Octavius is a friendly but ambitious scientist, who, like Osborn, takes Peter under his wing. The experiment to create a sustained fusion reaction, though, goes Read More ›

high-speed-fiber-optic-internet-concept-stockpack-adobe-stock
High speed fiber optic internet concept
Type
post
News
Date
April 16, 2024
Categorized
Technology
Tagged
, , , , , ,

Bob Metcalfe on Our Connected World

Discovery Institute Senior Fellow Jay Richards interviews Bob Metcalfe, inventor of Ethernet
News
April 16, 2024
1
Technology

The Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence is pleased to be able to share the videos from the 2023 COSM conference, now available on YouTube. This annual conference explores the status and the future of our era-defining technologies, from artificial intelligence to electric vehicles to new developments in biotech. Today’s video features a conversation with Bob Metcalfe, a pioneer in the field of computer science and the inventor of Ethernet. Discovery Institute Senior Fellow Jay Richards interviews Bob Metcalfe, inventor of Ethernet and recipient of the prestigious Turing Award, about the predicted pathologies of the internet and the reversals associated with the rise of connectivity.

ai-technology-robotic-technology-system-molecule-of-chemical-atom-cell-plexus-and-science-abstract-futuristic-universe-cyber-network-server-online-background-illustration-3d-rendering-stockpack-adobe-stock
ai technology, robotic technology system, molecule of chemical, atom cell plexus and science, abstract futuristic universe cyber network server online, background illustration 3d rendering
Type
post
News
Date
April 11, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , ,

Meta AI Scientist: AGI is a Pipe Dream

Human intelligence still can't be matched by a soulless algorithm
News
April 11, 2024
2
Artificial Intelligence

Predictions on AI’s ever-developing complexity have tech optimists counting the days until the machine replaces the human mind. Artificial general intelligence is the term they use to describe the point in which AI will officially overtake human intelligence. However, certain experts in the field, among them Robert J. Marks, host of the Mind Matters podcast, protest the assumption. AI researcher and scientist Yann LeCun, the AI chief at Meta, said recently that the current AI systems are nowhere close to achieving human-like intelligence. LeCun said, “We’re easily fooled into thinking they are intelligent because of their fluency with language, but really, their understanding of reality is very superficial,” he said. “They’re useful, there’s no question about that. But on the Read More ›

FTF3-125-2-P022
Type
post
Caitlin Cory
Date
April 9, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
Tagged
, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

COSM 2023 Now on YouTube!

COSM 2023 explored the nature of artificial intelligence, as well as its future potential and risks.
Caitlin Cory
April 9, 2024
3
Artificial Intelligence

You can now watch the 2023 COSM Technology Summit on YouTube. If you weren’t able to attend, or perhaps you want to revisit some of your favorite speakers, we are now releasing the second tranche of videos for your enjoyment. Click here to go to the COSM 2023 Playlist on YouTube! COSM 2023 explored the nature of artificial intelligence, as well as its future potential and risks. Stephen Wolfram spoke about his efforts to make the world more computable so that computers can help us understand the world. Afterward, George Gilder and Bob Metcalfe joined him in a fascinating discussion about Turing machines, neural networks, and AI-driven language models. A panel featuring William Dembski, Robert Marks, and George Montanez offered Read More ›