Heading Towards a "Robocalypse”

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“A true AI [artificial intelligence] would have immense economic potential, and when money is at stake, safety issues get put aside until real problems develop—at which time, of course, it may already be too late” (Sotala). The development of artificial intelligence technology has grown concern from society to whether or not it would be beneficial for the world as a whole. Artificial intelligence is known as artificial beings, or “robots”, that have a human-like intelligence. The use of this technology would cause more problems than solutions. However, many individuals believe that the use of artificial intelligence would bring positive results. Despite its potential, artificial intelligence technology would not be beneficial for society because human intelligence is hard to mimic, it would cause a threat to mankind and decrease jobs. Although in the end, artificial intelligence would not be beneficial, many believe that the benefits would be rewarding. One positive use of robots is that they could be programmed to fight in wars. It is believed that by 2015, missions can make use of the robots in the armed forces (Vesely). The development of robotic soldiers may be able to reduce the death toll and save many lives. What many individuals do not understand is that robots are emotionless and should not be trusted to make life or death decisions. AI technology surpasses human intelligence when it comes to calculations among other things, but what makes humans more intelligent than other mammals is the ability to think and emote to situations, which robots cannot do. Another advantage to using artificial intelligence is using it for space exploration. Losing a robot in space, at worst, would only lose money. If a human were to be lost ... ... middle of paper ... ... of Artifical Intelligence Depends on How Intelligence is Defined.” Artificial Intelligence. Noah Berlatsky. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2011. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. From “Introduction.” Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach. 3rd ed. Prentice Hall, 2010. 1-5. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. Sotala, Kai. “Artificial Intelligence Poses a Doomsday Threat.” Doomsday Scenarios. Noah Berlatsky. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2011. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. From “Thinking of Als as Humans is Misguided.” PreventingSkynet.com. 2009. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. Vesely, Milan. "Robots for Fighting Future Wars." Artificial Intelligence. Ed. Sylvia Engdahl. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Contemporary Issues Companion. Rpt. from "The Robot Revolution." Middle East (Apr. 2005): 22-25. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 6 Dec. 2013.

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