Artificial Intelligence: A Tool, Not a Replacement (May ‘23)
Artificial intelligence, or AI, appearing most recently and popularly in generative AI applications, such as ChatGPT has received unprecedented use and traction. Just two months after its launch, ChatGPT had 100 million active users. With the power of new technologies like artificial intelligence developing rapidly around us, it is fitting to examine the place of these technologies, the benefits, limitations, and possible dangers, and how we can use them for the good of humanity.
Most essentially, AI in an excellent tool for gathering information, but it could never act as a moral compass, or a judge of right and wrong. ChatGPT even refuses to discuss partisan politics with its users, claiming it ‘strives to remain impartial’. Thus AI can become dangerous if users look to it for answers to everything, including life’s deepest and most profound philosophical and moral questions. AI is a tool, and as a tool, it only works when it is used for what it is designed for, which is educational, fact and information based answers, not judgements on moral truths.
As humans, there is a moral law which is inherent in us. This is why, in almost every country and culture throughout time, killing another innocent human is wrong. It is against some innate principle of good in us. Artificial Intelligence, like ChatGPT, is not human, so it does not have inherent knowledge
of good and evil, and although it can be programmed to gather and repeat information, it cannot be ‘developed’ or born with this moral law. Similarly, it cannot apply previous knowledge or experience to a unique situation to give relevant advice on what is right or wrong for us personally, as a good friend can. This is one reason why relying heavily on AI for emotional support is not a sustainable solution. AI cannot be a replacement for friendship, parental advice, or professional therapy, as it does not have emotions, so cannot be in tune with the complex emotional support we made need. Furthermore, we need much more in our lives than words, and AI cannot make us a meal, look after us when we are sick or hold us accountable for positive changes in our lives. Even if AI could do all of these things, it would not do it with the human love which we so desire, and that these helpful actions would be a proof of.
The scope and power of AI to answer questions about history, literature, mathematics and science is incredible, and is a powerful and interesting tool. However, it is no replacement for our morality, religious beliefs, and fellow humans, especially our close friends and mentors, who can provide us with personal advice and moral and philosophical truths. Morals, truth and religion are above us humans themselves - we cannot change whether it is right or wrong to kill someone. Thus, AI, which is programmed and has its information input by humans, cannot change truth or morality or act as their replacements.
