Ep 172: Artificial Intelligence Series - Part 1: Defining AI

Inside the Rope with David Clark

In episode 1 of a 3-part series on artificial intelligence, David is joined by multiple guests to define what Artificial Intelligence is, and the implications it poses on our future. David and guests discuss how models like ChatGPT operate, and how unlike traditional AI systems that are designed for specific tasks, ChatGPT represents a shift towards Artificial Generative Intelligence (AGI), capable of analysing massive datasets and generating new content. This marks a significant advancement from Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), which is limited to singular, defined tasks. Part 1 discusses how these language models, by analysing extensive text data, can mimic human-like text generation without actual consciousness or understanding. They operate by mathematical representations of language, which raises questions about the nature of intelligence and human uniqueness in language abilities. The episode also touches on societal and economic impacts, such as potential job displacement paralleling historical shifts brought about by technologies like the steam engine and the internet. However, also suggests that AI could lead to new kinds of jobs, highlighting the dual nature of technological progress. The series aims to give listeners a clearer understanding of AI's impact on economic growth and the broader existential questions that this technology raises.