I will never forget a conversation that ensued with a family friend nearly 3 decades ago. She implored me to pay my toll using the cashier and boycott using the express lane. Her reason was simple: \u201chumanity is being replaced by automation, and Daren will soon lose many jobs.\u201d Several years later, she was forced out to retirement, toll stations were deconstructed, and new fast pass lanes are now in effect. Fast forward to 2025, her fear has become a reality as automation replaces humanity.<\/p>\n
Eve Poole tackles this topic in her book Robot Souls. Poole argues that as automation and AI are becoming dominant forces, developers must assume the rightful responsibility for the decisions of their creative content. As the balance between the two must be carefully weaved, she warns of the consequences if ethical considerations are abandoned and not regulated. Poole references Issac Asimov\u2019s Three Laws of Robotics, Rule 1: A Robot may not injure a human being or through inaction allow a human being to come to harm.<\/em> [1}<\/p>\n As I think of the technological advancements that have been made, I can also see how Asimov\u2019s Rule 1 has already become compromised through the use of military drones and autonomous weapons developed with AI, sometimes resulting in civilian casualties or unintended harm. Algorithmic bias is also heavy at work, with the spread or lack of information shared based on the circumstance. The AI dominance in predominantly private hands is a concern raised by Poole, \u201cThe capitalist system masquerades as a machine programmed by experts, with only economists and governments qualified to tinker with it. [2]<\/p>\n Where I resonated with Poole was in her introduction of what she describes as \u201cthe junk code\u201d. In an interview, she defines it as all the things we\u2019ve deliberately left out of our programming in AI because we think it\u2019s redundant. [<\/em>3] This \u201cjunk code\u201d can also lead to potentially harmful outcomes due to oversights made during the development process. She feels the qualities of junk code are an asset to humanity and can be inserted into AI. Her advocacy also calls for ethical design and stringent oversight in the programmatic scheme.<\/p>\n This junk code resonated with me for a different reason, bringing to light a couple of questions:<\/p>\n 1) What does a more soulful AI conceivably look like? As the voices are raised and the push to reclaim the ethical responsibility in the digital sphere I reflect on where we have come from and the path to our present. In 1995, the internet transitioned from a tool for researchers and academics to a commercialized platform available to the public. In 1998, Google was founded, beginning a worldwide revolution on information accessed and organization. We have moved from cell phones to smart phones, from Wi-Fi- to Hi speed internet, 4G to 5G and future development is imminent. Growth demands responsibility and humanities response to automation must be intentional. As Ai has been a helpful tool, the unsavory caricature of individuals through false memes, videos, and soundbites has already taken many of us to fact check heaven, spending and wasting time trying to validate credible content \u2013 the question arises how can we remain both confident and vigilant against what is to come?<\/p>\n I feel as though Poole brings sensibility and accountability into practice. Her summation that robots are not neutral tools but in turn reflect the values and biases of their creators is spot on. This is something that must be consistently monitored and guarded against. As we rally to improve the aspects of functionality and efficiency when it comes to AI, some synonymous words must also be interjected, such as compassion, morality, and human dignity. [4]<\/p>\n Robot Souls is a great compliment to Poole\u2019s first writing, Leadersmithing. In Leadersmithing, Poole suggests that great leaders are not born but “crafted” through intentional practice and habit formation. In both books, a map is made of being crisis-ready. In Robot Souls, she discusses how AI and robots must be programmed with deliberate care, ensuring a proper reflection of ethical behavior while making decisions aligned with human values. A bridge between humanity and automation is also built when she points out leaders are shaped by their environment and training as machines must be “trained” to act in ways that prioritize morality and compassion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [1] Eve Poole, Robot Souls; Programming in Humanity (New York: CRC Press, 2024).<\/p>\n [2] Interview: AI and Us: Interview with Dr. Eve Poole about Her New Book, “Robot Souls”<\/p>\n [3] Poole, Eve. Capitalism\u2019s Toxic Assumptions: Redefining Next Generation Economics. London: Bloomsbury, 2015.<\/p>\n [4] Poole, Robot Souls<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I will never forget a conversation that ensued with a family friend nearly 3 decades ago. She implored me to pay my toll using the cashier and boycott using the express lane. 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\n2) Once out the gate, what are the ramifications of this upgraded vision?<\/p>\n