There’s no question that AI has invaded or lives and will continue to do so. Some hail it as a new way to do things, others are not so sure. In an online essay this morning, Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, and undoubtedly one of the world’s wealthiest men, raises questions about AI and the future of work and workers.
Technology often goes faster than our ability to consider its ethical implications. We’ve seen that in medicine, for sure. Now, we face the same issue with AI. Gates notes that jobs will disappear, as profit for corporations is paramount in a capitalist society because robots are cheaper and practically error-free.
AI will enable us to do more harm, not just with drones but with cyberattacks but with bioterrorism. Concerned that warfare can be taken to a new level without the role of a human decision, he asks that AI should move more slowly so we can develop an ethic to address these issues.
Finally, he raises how our children will grow to think and develop human relationships. His comments are not the rantings of starry-eyed Luddite, but the considered thoughts of a man who has spent his life in the technology field, and who asks if we are ready as human beings to consider what we have wrought. The real question is whether we as a species will use AI for good or evil. The choice is up to us.
Prayer for the Day
The world around us moves so quickly, O Lord,
And we hardly have time to catch our breath;
Emotionally spinning as does the earth we inhabit,
We wonder what will come next for us.
Grant, O Lord, that we may have not only wisdom,
But a concern for all those around us.
In the name of the One who is our guide,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
I wish the world could get the benefits rapidly and delay the problems it will cause as long as possible, but the benefits and problems are arriving at the same time. I believe we need time to prepare for the period of social, political, and economic upheaval we are about to enter.
Bill Gates in his essay published today
Arrogance is hateful to the Lord and mortals,
And injustice is outrageous to both..
Wisdom of Sirach 10: 7