AGI and the Future of Humanity
Artificial intelligence technology is advancing rapidly, and one of its ultimate goals is to achieve AGI (Artificial General Intelligence).
In this lesson, we will explore what AGI is, how it differs from current AI, and how it might impact human society.
What is AGI?
AGI refers to artificial intelligence capable of learning and carrying out a wide variety of tasks autonomously, much like a human.
Up to now, most AI has been specialized in performing specific tasks — known as Narrow AI.
For example, GPT is excellent in language generation but cannot control a robot or drive a car.
AGI, in contrast, would be able to flexibly perform all intellectual activities that humans can, including problem-solving, learning, creativity, and emotional understanding.
While AGI has not yet been developed, numerous research labs worldwide are actively researching it, and large language models like GPT are considered a stepping stone toward AGI.
What changes might AGI bring?
AGI represents more than just an advancement in technology; it is a transformative technology that could have a significant impact on human society.
Some of the potential changes that AGI could bring to society include:
1. Transformation of the Labor Market
AGI has the potential to change the very structure of the labor market in ways that differ from existing automation technologies.
Narrow AI has primarily automated repetitive or pattern-driven tasks.
For instance, chatbots can handle parts of customer service, and automated software can assist with some aspects of accounting and document processing.
However, AGI, with its capabilities for continuous learning and adaptation, can respond flexibly to diverse roles and work environments.
AGI could affect not only manual laborers but also professions requiring high levels of expertise, such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and researchers.
Furthermore, when combined with robotics, AGI could replace both office work and physical labor, fundamentally redefining the nature of jobs across all industries.
While these changes could be seen as a liberation from human labor, they also raise issues such as large-scale unemployment and job insecurity.
However, there is also a strong possibility that entirely new industries and job roles will emerge by harnessing AGI technology.
For example, new jobs could emerge like ethicists interpreting and controlling AGI actions, designers collaborating with AGI, or data curators for AGI training.
2. Societal Changes from Surplus Labor, Basic Income Discussion
Once AGI can perform most tasks currently done by humans, traditional notions of 'work' may diminish.
This increase in surplus labor could lead to significant unemployment.
One of the responses to this change gaining global attention is the concept of Basic Income.
Basic Income is a policy where all citizens receive a regular, unconditional sum of money, ensuring the stability of living and a dignified life.
If productivity is maximized through AGI, theoretically, there could be a future where resources are distributed even if people do not work.
However, realizing this requires restructuring the economy and achieving political consensus.
3. New Ethical and Philosophical Challenges
The advent of AGI brings not only technical challenges but also necessitates ethical and philosophical discourse.
A primary question that arises is whether AGI should be granted moral responsibility or rights.
If AGI can make autonomous decisions, who is held accountable for the outcomes of those decisions?
Is it the developers, the operators, or AGI itself?
Additionally, if AGI possesses emotions or self-awareness similar to humans, we may need to treat it as a person.
This presents considerable legal challenges, with discussions beginning around the concept of digital personhood.
To coexist with AGI, societal agreement is essential on the ethical boundaries we set, such as what authority to grant it and which human domains it must not cross.
AGI: Humanity's Opportunity and Threat
AGI is a remarkable technology that can significantly extend human intellectual capabilities, yet it also poses substantial risks to humanity.
If an uncontrollable AGI were to be misused, it could result in humanity losing control over AI.
Thus, many researchers emphasize the importance of ensuring reliability and safety and establishing ethical guidelines before advancing AGI development.
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