We benefit from robots, but what about the risks? When artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, how will homo sapiens cope? Today, gorillas and chimpanzees largely depend for their continued existence on us - could we find ourselves in a similar situation vis-à-vis robots in 50 years?
Tony Brewer will lead a discussion on digital humanism this Thursday at 7.30pm at the South-East London Humanist Group in the New Cross community library (details below).
The aim is to develop attitudes and standards for coping with artificial intelligence from a standpoint of humanist beliefs in living by evidence, reason and our common humanity and in seeking happiness in this life and helping others to do the same.
Tony's introduction will cover: basic technical concepts; examples of present and future applications; risks and benefits. Then the meeting will break into groups to discuss how to develop the principles of digital humanism.
Tony says:
"Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics and big data play a limited part in our lives now, but will soon have a major impact, and will later be normal. Driverless cars have been tested in Greenwich, have driven over one million miles in California, and are likely to become publicly available within a couple of years. Various kinds of warbots are under development. AI systems are already very sophisticated, but have restricted application at the moment. Soon they'll become generalised systems with intelligence equivalent to ours - maybe within 20 years, certainly by the end of this century. We need to plan for this future."
The South-East London Humanist Group (SELHuG) meets on the first Thursday of every month, normally at New Cross Learning, the community library at 283-285 New Cross Road, SE14 6AS, in the row of shops between The Venue nightclub and New Cross Gate station. Phone 020 8469 0532. Best to confirm the venue of meetings at http://selondon.humanist.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided but everyone chips in £2 to cover the cost of premises hire. All welcome.
Digital Humanism, Thursday 1st March, 7.30pm, New Cross Learning, SE14 6AS.