Unleashing Humanity: The Missing Element for Ethical AI

In today's technologically advanced society, artificial intelligence (AI) and automated systems have become deeply integrated into our daily lives. However, as we increasingly rely on AI, ethical concerns arise regarding the behavior and potential risks associated with autonomous machines. While humans have strived for flawlessness in AI, could it be that the very flaws we omitted hold the key to ensuring robots do not go rogue?

In her upcoming book, "Robot Souls," esteemed writer and academic Dr. Eve Poole OBE presents a compelling argument, suggesting that the solution to AI's ethical predicament lies within human nature itself. Dr. Poole proposes the inclusion of human-like qualities such as empathy and compassion to imbue robots with a sense of humanity.

The Essence of Humanity:

Dr. Poole emphasizes that during the pursuit of perfection, human developers removed what they perceived as "junk code" from AI systems, including emotions, free will, and a sense of purpose. However, she contends that it is precisely this so-called "junk" that lies at the core of humanity. These discarded attributes encompass human emotions, our capacity for making mistakes, our inclination for storytelling, our intuitive sixth sense, our ability to navigate uncertainty, our unwavering belief in free will, and our aptitude for finding meaning in the world around us.

According to Dr. Poole, this "junk code" is vital for human flourishing as it underpins a range of ameliorators aimed at safeguarding our species. Collectively, these qualities foster a sense of community, ensuring safety in numbers.

Unveiling Robot Souls:

As AI assumes increasingly significant decision-making roles in our lives, concerns surrounding bias and discrimination emerge. Dr. Poole argues that the answer may lie in revisiting the very elements we sought to eliminate from autonomous machines.

She suggests that by deciphering the code that compels humans to strive for survival and prosperity as a species, we can bestow robots with a semblance of a "soul." This process involves sharing with them the essence of what makes us human.

The book outlines several steps proposed by Dr. Poole to achieve this reality, including the establishment of rigorous regulations, an immediate ban on autonomous weapons, and the implementation of a licensing regime that reserves ultimate life-or-death decisions for fellow humans. Additionally, Dr. Poole advocates for a consensus on the criteria for legal personhood and a roadmap for AI's progression toward it.

Reevaluating AI Programming:Dr. Poole explains that due to human imperfections, many characteristics were disregarded during the development of AI. The assumption was that robots incorporating emotions, intuition, and the inclination to make mistakes and seek meaning and purpose would not function optimally.

However, a closer examination reveals that these seemingly irrational qualities stem from the source code of the soul itself. Dr. Poole asserts that it is precisely this "junk" code that defines our humanity and fosters reciprocal altruism, which is vital for the continued survival and prosperity of our species.

In "Robot Souls," Dr. Poole delves into AI advancements, explores ideas of consciousness and the soul, and contextualizes our discarded "junk code." She argues that it is time to give prominence to this code and reconsider how we program AI.

As AI continues to shape our world, the inclusion of human-like attributes, such as empathy and compassion, may be the missing piece in ensuring ethical AI. Dr. Eve Poole's forthcoming book, "Robot Souls," challenges the notion that perfection can only be achieved by removing humanity's flaws from AI systems. Instead, she urges technologists and developers to recognize the value of our discarded "junk code" and incorporate it into AI programming. By doing so, we can pave the way for a future where AI and human values align harmoniously, ushering in a new era of responsible and beneficial technology.