One of my earliest encounters with AI was through the computer game Neuromancer, which featured a hostile, disembodied head. This image, along with other popular references like HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey and Samantha from Her, strongly influences people’s perception of AI. However, it’s important to recognize that AI is deeply intertwined with human culture. These systems are not objective machines, but rather reflections of our values, norms, preferences, and behaviors.
Instead of trying to determine whether AI is inherently good or bad for society, we should focus on designing AI systems that align with our desired ethical culture. Take, for example, the work of Roger Dannenberg, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. He has created an AI system that accompanies musicians based on traditional Western music theory. In contrast, composer George E. Lewis has developed Voyager, a system rooted in the African diaspora that emphasizes improvisation. The outcomes of these systems differ significantly, with Dannenberg’s system adhering to conventional expectations and Lewis’s system engaging in collaborative dialogue with the human performer.
Voyager’s sound can be described as a fusion of avant-garde jazz and Javanese gamelan music. The values and cultures that musicians and programmers draw from heavily influence the output of these systems. Nowadays, AI systems play roles in various fields, from generating text and images to diagnosing diseases and operating autonomous weapons. These systems can either follow humans or support their creativity. We can choose to view the relationship between humans and machines as one based on command and control or as a collaborative partnership that leverages the unique strengths of both.
Currently, the collaborative approach is less well-known and adopted, but it holds great potential. By designing AI systems based on diverse cultures and ethical guidelines, we can bring about a more balanced and fruitful collaboration between humans and machines. We have the ability to intentionally shape AI systems to align with our values and worldviews. For instance, the MIT Center for Advanced Virtuality has developed simulations like Breakbeat Narratives that teach hip-hop history based on users’ musical preferences.
Furthermore, interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial in harnessing the positive social impact of AI. By incorporating insights from the arts, humanities, and social sciences, we can build AI systems that promote creative expression, learning, and the common good. However, it’s important to acknowledge that AI is not without its challenges. Approaches like deep learning and large language models, such as Dall·E 2 and GPT-4, have achieved remarkable results, but they also raise concerns. These systems operate using complex neural networks and deep learning algorithms, making it difficult for humans to understand their reasoning.
When AI processes become opaque and rely on vast cultural datasets, they can inadvertently perpetuate unfair biases and other social issues. Therefore, it is imperative that we carefully consider and design AI systems with cultural values in mind. This requires addressing ethical considerations such as transparency and intelligibility. While AI presents incredible creative opportunities, creators must actively engage in social and cultural work alongside technical engineering. Sometimes, a command-and-control approach is appropriate, but in the realm of AI, we must also explore jazz-like opportunities for collaborative improvisation.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
