Artificial intelligence has long been a favorite of science
fiction writers and producers. Often a
key plot device is the consequences which stem from having a self-aware
machine. Such a situation often takes
the form of a “Tipping Point Objection.” In this case, as machines become more
advanced, there are initially no signs of danger. However, a certain point is reached where the
machine gains enough abilities that it achieves self awareness. Once the machine recognizes itself as an
entity, it usually acquires survival instincts.
Time and again, these survival instincts bring about all sorts of
trouble. Here are some examples.
Terminator 2:
2001:
In the Terminator 2 scene, we have the classic case of
artificial intelligence destroying humanity before they can “kill” it. Meanwhile, the scene from 2001 has a similar situation;
the only difference is that it’s much more personal (HAL only has to kill a few
people to “survive”). What makes the
situation with HAL particularly frightening is that HAL has been self aware for
some time, and does not respond until threatened. In each of these cases, the survival instinct
each machine acquires is essentially permanent.
This is because, like most self aware beings, these machines cannot easily
“unlearn” something they have acquired.
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