Artificial Superintelligence (ASI)

It is not difficult to visualize a future where machines defeat us at video games or script a movie. However, machines may go much farther and can surpass us the ways we have not imagined. It is not a utopian idea but is going to be a reality in our lifetime.

Of course, we have AI systems today. Still, they are not as advanced as the human brain. Though they can perform specific tasks, they lack the broad understanding and adaptability which characterizes human intelligence. We are advancing towards artificial general intelligence (AGI) which may remove these deficiencies and may match human-level capability of cognition. Going beyond AGI, the next stage is going to artificial superintelligence (ASI). In fact, ASI would redefine human existence.

Human intelligence is constrained by biology, whereas ASI will operate at digital speeds. It will solve huge problems millions of times faster. Can you imagine something that glances over all the research papers on an issue and bring forward a solution while we are busy doing routine things? It could be called intelligence explosion — AI system faster than humans and cannot matched or controlled.

Its impact is breathtaking and profound. It will revolutionize healthcare, quantum physics and climate change. However, the same plus points could threaten our existence if it is not aligned properly with values and interests. An ASI system dealing with cancer can decide that making living things extinct is the solution to get rid of the cancer. Such logic is unpredictable and esoteric.

ASI challenge is not confined to technical aspects only. It is a race to control what we are creating. There are issues of ethics, governance and human intervention.

We have to align the system that is capable of rewriting its own code.

Superintelligence journey is not pre-decided but is not avoidable. The question now is not whether we should develop ASI, but how to prepare once it arrives. There should be investment in AI security research and international discussion.

It is the most significant technological leap in the history. It has the potential to be the biggest achievement or humanity’s last invention. The challenge is not merely technical. It is philosophical, human and ethical. ASI should benefit us, rather than replace us.

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