THE WORLD NEEDS RESCUE

continued…

(Part 5)

4. Artificial intelligence

Technology is rapidly advancing with a frenetic pace. Computers are becoming so powerful and are being given such decision-making capabilities that they are gradually becoming more independent of their programmers.

Elon Musk, of SpaceX and Tesla automobile fame, who uses artificial intelligence in some of his cars, warned that artificial intelligence is “potentially more dangerous than nukes', imploring all of humankind ‘to be super careful with AI (Artificial Intelligence),’ unless we want the ultimate fate of humanity to closely resemble Judgment Day from the Sci-Fi movie, Terminator."

James Poulus, in an article in the 'Orange County Register', September 10, 2017, page 4, quoted that "Competition for AI superiority at national level [is the] most likely cause of WW3 ” He goes even further and puts up the question: "Are We Being Softened Up for Artificial Intelligence?”

The fact is that is actually happening in the present. Recently, two robots, called "bots," actually created a way of communicating with each other without the help of people - the first sign of computer independence.

Referring to this fact, Adrienne LaFrance noted the following and I quote: "At one point, the researchers write they had to tweak one of their models, because otherwise the 'bot'-to-'bot' conversation led to divergence from human language as the agents developed their own language for negotiating."

“They had to use what’s called a fixed supervised model instead. In other words, the model that allowed two bots to have a conversation - and use machine learning to constantly iterate strategies for that conversation along the way - led to those bots communicating in their own non-human language” (“An Artificial Intelligence Developed Its Own Non-Human Language,” The Atlantic, June 15, 2017).

An even more shocking AI achievement occurred recently when a computer named “Alpha-Go- Zero” improved its learning abilities in an Asian game called “Go” (somewhat similar to chess) without the aid of human beings.

As The Economist magazine noted: “Alpha-Go-Zero discovered the standard joseki [Go moves] taught to human players. But it also discovered, and eventually preferred, several other [moves] that were entirely of its own invention … The result was a program that is not just superhuman, but crushingly so …” (“Going Places,” Nov. 21, 2017, p. 77).

Are we sleeping? Can't we see what is happening around us? Can't we see the danger of losing control of such machines, like a Frankenstein monster that eventually turns against its own creator. Some computer scientists dread the day when a super-intelligent computer with self-learning abilities and a will to win connects to the Internet and uses it as a data bank to begin making decisions for itself and possibly even controlling such things as electrical power plants, banking, and nuclear arsenals, thus effectively holding the world hostage.

Despite these threats, the most powerful governments and corporations are in a mad rush, because of the profitable “first move advantage” they would have, to come up with the first computer with artificial intelligence to match or outperform a human being.

The Bible warns us that in the last days two characteristics would be evident that would produce a knowledge explosion—worldwide travel and a multiplying of information.

Daniel 12:4, says the following: “But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."

Closing up and sealing the words of the scroll meant that it was to be kept safe and preserved. This was to be done so that the believers of all times could look back on God's work in history and find hope. Daniel did not understand the exact meaning of the times and events in his vision. We can see events as they unfold, for we are in the end times, but it will not be understood until the climax of earth's history.

(END OF PART 5)

to be continued…