To ‘Junk code’ is human, Perfection is Divine.
Issue of AI
“Two of the biggest design problems in Artificial Intelligence are how to build robots that behave in line with human values and how to stop them ever from going rogue. One under-explored solution these alignment and control problems might be to examine how these are already addressed in the design of humans. Looking closely at the human blueprint, it contains a suite of capacities that are so clumsy they have generally been kept away from AI.” [1] Basically, the problem in AI is how to design one that is like a human being. One that think, feels, acts, have emotions (values), or even have conscience. To go further, one that is a human.
Concept of AI
AI, artificial intelligence, which is defined as, “the capability of computer systems or algorithms to imitate intelligence human behavior” [2] has been assisting people with so many tasks. Since the 1950s, artificial intelligence has been developing into a useful tool. AI is proven to be helpfully in some complicated tasks. For examples like, (a.) to study and predict patterns which is essential in decision making, (b.) to be used in repetitive or dangerous tasks, or (c.) to improve quality of life in such ways like, ‘smart-cities,’ or even able to teach skills. [3] As technology advanced, here comes this thought of making AI more human. Will we ever get there? Will AI be able to have (real) emotions, or (genuine) conscience, or soul?
Place of AI
Emotions, which can be summed up to be automatic, unconscious physiological reactions and that play vital roles in orchestrating physiological, behavioral, feelings and intellectuals are more complex than reflexes, however, more simpler than deliberative behaviour.[4] Even with the complexities, these can be programed with algorithms, in which there can be programmed responses, though these may be not as deeper response as human responses.
For Artificial intelligence to behave with human values in consideration, it must be adjusted to be conformed to the setting in which it will be applied. That is where “AI Value Alignment” comes in.
“AI value alignment refers to the designing of AI systems that behave in ways consistent with human values and ethical principles. However, this is easier said than done…The concept of ‘human values’ varies across cultures and contexts, raising important questions…The challenge lies in operationalizing these values to make them explicit, traceable and verifiable.” [5]
Furthermore, AI with souls or conscience, “Robot Souls looks at developments in AI and reviews the emergence of ideas of consciousness and the soul.” [6] Conscience, which is often referred to as inner-voice, or the sense of moral goodness [7] with the advancement in technology can be programed as well. However, spiritually, it refers to the ‘inner sense of right and wrong that guides a person’s thoughts and actions’. And it is not only part of human moral life, but part of spiritual life.[8] Apostle Paul mentioned of this with regards to the Gentiles as the ‘the law written in their hearts.’ [9] With this, I concluded that ‘conscience and soul is only reserved for the Divine creation, not human programed algorithms.
Thought Summary of AI
Artificial Intelligence has a very important role in our daily lives to assist with task and make our daily lives easier. Not only that, but AI enables more accomplishments that would take more energy and time. And how is AI affecting our leadership in a positive way? “AI can help us be less messy and more consistent. It can help us elevate the best of our humanness…Through strategic applications of AI systems and tools, leaders can cultivate their best human qualities and human areas of leadership.” [10]
[1] Poole, Eve. Robot Souls: Programing in Humanity (pp. 3). CRC Press. Kindle Edition.
[2] Meriam-Webster Dictionary Online. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artificial%20intelligence. Accessed January 26, 2025.
[3] Fund Trading Plus. https://www.fundedtradingplus.com/the-main-pros-and-cons-of-artificial-intelligence/?msclkid=ddf63ab147dd1a23465a5d265302e670&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=FT%2B%20DSA&utm_term=fundedtradingplus&utm_content=All%20Webpages%20DSA.
[4] Lewis, Ralph. What Actually Are Emotions? We are intimately familiar with them but defining them is harder that it seems. (September 15, 2024). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/finding-purpose/202408/what-actually-are-emotions?msockid=2986ff463a4e6d9833b1f0453be66c16.
[5] Larsen, Benjamin and Dignum, Viriginia. AI value alignment: How we can algin artificial intelligence with human values. World Economic Forum. (October 17, 2024). Accessed January 26, 2025.
[6] Poole, Eve. Robot Souls: Programming in Humanity (p.3). CRC Press. Kindle Edition.
[7] Oxford Dictionary. https://www.bing.com/search?q=what+is+conscience&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&ghc=1&lq=0&pq=what+is+conscience&sc=12-18&sk=&cvid=332991F3A2A544BAA7033A27F7A4AAE7&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl=. Accessed January 26, 2025.
[8] Conscience an Conviction. Bible Hub. https://biblehub.com/topical/c/conscience_and_conviction.htm. Accessed January 26, 2025.
[9] NIV. Romans Chapter. 2:14-15.
[10] Hougaard, Rasmus & Carter, Jacqueline. Harvard Business Review. (June 06, 2024). https://hbr.org/2024/06/how-ai-can-make-make-us-better-leaders. Accessed January 26, 2025.
About the Author
Noel Liemam
One response to “To ‘Junk code’ is human, Perfection is Divine.”
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I really love your phrase, ‘[AI] can help elevate the best of our humanness’. I would love to hear you expand on that concept from your personal experience and knowledge.