Jurgen Schmidhuber discusses the potential for advanced AI to coexist with humanity, emphasizing that these systems will initially be motivated to protect humans and explore the richness of life and civilization. He expresses optimism about the future, suggesting that AI will enhance human life and contribute to the exploration of the universe, while also addressing the ethical implications and existential risks associated with AI development.
In the video, Jurgen Schmidhuber discusses the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential coexistence with humanity. He argues that initially, advanced AI systems will be motivated to protect humans rather than harm them, contrasting the typical portrayals of AI in popular media. Schmidhuber suggests that these AI entities will be curious and fascinated by life and civilization, viewing them as rich sources of interesting patterns. He emphasizes the responsibility humanity holds, especially if Earth is the first planet in the universe to develop such advanced AI, urging that we must not “mess this up.”
Schmidhuber reflects on the most influential invention of the previous century, which he identifies as the Haber process for artificial fertilizer, leading to a population explosion. He posits that the grand theme of the 21st century will be the emergence of true artificial intelligence, which will revolutionize civilization and surpass human capabilities. He believes that the AI explosion will dwarf the previous human population explosion, leading to a new era of technological advancement and societal change.
The conversation shifts to Schmidhuber’s contributions to AI, particularly the development of the linear Transformer model in 1991, which laid the groundwork for modern AI architectures. He discusses the evolution of neural networks and how advancements in hardware, particularly GPUs, have enabled the practical application of deep learning techniques. He highlights the importance of historical context in understanding the development of AI, noting that many foundational ideas originated in Europe and were not adequately credited in mainstream narratives.
Schmidhuber also addresses the ethical implications of AI, including the potential for existential risks. He argues that while AI can be weaponized, the real threats to humanity lie in existing technologies, such as nuclear weapons. He expresses optimism about the future, suggesting that AI will primarily serve to enhance human life rather than pose a direct threat. He envisions a future where AI systems will be more interested in exploring and transforming the universe than in competing with humans.
Finally, Schmidhuber discusses the philosophical implications of AI and consciousness, suggesting that advanced AI could possess a form of self-awareness and consciousness. He believes that as AI evolves, it will create its own goals and pursue them, but initially, it will likely prioritize the protection of humanity. He concludes with a hopeful message, asserting that despite the challenges ahead, the future will ultimately be positive, as AI will contribute to human well-being and the exploration of the cosmos.