Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), or superintelligence, refers to a theoretical, not yet realized, form of artificial intelligence that can perform a wide range of cognitive tasks at or beyond human-level intelligence. Unlike Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), which is specialized for specific tasks, AGI would be capable of understanding, learning, and applying knowledge across different domains with full autonomy.
Reaching AGI is one of the most profound and highly contentious challenges and aspirations in AI research, and there are differing opinions on its feasibility and timespan of arrival. While its development could potentially revolutionize industries like healthcare, finance, and transportation and address global challenges like climate change through advanced data processing and decision-making capabilities, it also introduces significant risks. Most importantly, AGI risks the loss of human control, agency, and autonomy by surpassing human cognitive abilities, which could lead to unintended consequences from autonomous decision-making, as well as ethical concerns regarding accountability, transparency, and alignment with human values. The development of AGI would most probably constitute a significant shift and turning point in technological history and the meaning and importance of human cognition, with implications extending from economic disruptions and loss of control to existential risks.
AGI presents fundamental ethical and legal concerns that directly relate to human rights and human nature. Apart from risks that are inherent in ANI as well like algorithmic bias, the “black box” nature, or lack of human oversight, AGI comes with severe risks for human control, AI alignment, and human existence. Given the potential consequences for human nature, there are prominent calls for preventing the development of AGI, while others argue that it is essential to establish strong regulatory frameworks, robust oversight mechanisms, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure AGI remains aligned with human values.
For Further Reading:
Sonko, Sedat, Adebunmi Okechukwu Adewusi, Ogugua Chimezie Obi, Shedrack Onwusinkwue, and Akoh Atadoga. “A Critical Review Towards Artificial General Intelligence: Challenges, Ethical Considerations, and the Path Forward.” World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 21, no. 3 (2024): 1262–1268.
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