[Cspace]

As computers and robots approach or exceed human "intelligence", do you see them as a threat? Why, and if so, could the problems be avoided?

[ticktockclok]

Do you see them as a threat?

No.

Why?

Because.

Could the problems be avoided?

N/A

[Zziggywolf5]

Hardly a threat as far as I'm concerned. Programmers will always be able to put limits on computers and robots of some kind. I doubt even the most self-aware computer would be able to alter its own hardware. I admit, though, I know little about computers. But after all the movies and such, I doubt people would be stupid enough to have AI with absolutely no control over it.

Of course, I'm hoping on humanity's intelligence, so we very well may be screwed.

[Nuu™™]

If they become smarter than us it will probably become a good thing if they were to overthrow our governments and rule us. It would be difficult for them to be worse than all the other rulers in the past.

[Aaron]

A computer is only a circuit board unless it has instructions given to it. Only humans can give instructions to a computer (initially). A computer can't plug itself into a power source and teach itself what to do.

[Neraphym]

As long as people don't do something stupid like give a computer the call to fire nukes, then we are ok. All I can say is, computers need power and constant hardware maintenance, so we're pretty safe for now. Another issue is AI rights. Here's my stance:

If a computer is incapable of feeling (no emotion processes), then it is not immoral to enslave it. If you give a computer emotions, then it will feel bad if enslaved, so that would be morally wrong.

[Cspace]

Well, it's entirely possible for computers to be designed that learn and perform tasks independently. The beginning of this is already happening, and alongside new hardware and algorithms (and a good chance that the technology itself will fundamentally change), a computer will be able to "think" and solve problems. It's only a matter of time before computers or robots may become aware of themselves, not necessarily alive but dealing with problems like something that is. To go alongside this, it is also highly possible that these computers can network together and exchange this information.

Their "brains" would merely be code, and it's entirely possible for them to re-engineer themselves. When their "intelligence" exceeds ours (which is going to eventually happen), how could this be predicted?

*************************************************

Don't get me wrong, I personally don't believe that there will be a problem... But I do think that there can be a problem if it's ignored. It would need to be addressed before computers get intelligent enough, because a restraining bolt will only last as long as it takes for the computer or robot to remove or re-route it.

I also think that we should seek to build hyperintelligent computers... They could really help us in a lot of areas. I just think they should be built responsibly.

Seems like everyone's on the same side (and I agree with all of you ), but I just thought I'd post this.

[Dragonman]

There's sure to be inevitable malfunctions in the future. It's too hard to analyze though since we still don't know exactly what is going to happen. I don't support robots/machines taking over regular tasks that humans do. If machines start doing everything, then we don't have anything to do. So people get bored, and do things like breaking the law, nuking other countries, etc..

[Atilla]

Ignorant organic meatbags...we already rule the world. You just don't know it.

I mean...er. I've said too much.

[ticktockclok]

I read an article about this "invention machine" which has apparently been churning out inventions for some guy , who sells the patents of some while working on others. Weird, to be honest.