This blog post explores a future where AI can mimic human genes and even memes, and how this might transform humanity and the essence of existence.
In the movie ‘Transcendence’, the genius scientist protagonist ‘Will Caster’ succeeds in transplanting his brain into a computer with his lover’s help just before his death. This film dramatically captures humanity’s dreams and fears about artificial intelligence. Another plot point is this: After his death, ‘Will Caster’ no longer needs his original physical body because he successfully transplanted his brain—his consciousness—into an AI. His existence is now liberated from physical constraints and expanded into the digital world. Having become a computer, ‘Will Caster’ instantly gains the ability to acquire and interpret vast amounts of information. He also quickly acquires the knowledge to create a new body, restoring his physical form and constructing a new one. With his new body, ‘Will Caster’ begins to control everything using his transcendent knowledge. In this process, he gradually loses his humanity, and the impact of his existence on humanity becomes increasingly destructive.
While the situations above are merely a movie scenario, research into artificial intelligence is actually underway. Deep learning, a field of AI capable of learning like humans, is also being actively researched. While this research is bringing significant innovation to various fields, it also contains profound philosophical questions. The ultimate goal of scientists in this field is to develop artificial neural networks identical to human ones, aiming to create AI capable of possessing the same thought processes and consciousness as humans. Should such AI actually emerge in this world, it would spark a new debate about how we define humanity. Can the human mind and consciousness be viewed as mere replicas of neural networks? If so, how can human uniqueness and individuality be maintained?
First, can we equate humans with artificial intelligence? The ways I can prove my own identity are possible only because of limitations in information. Physically produced and sensually perceptible things like my fingerprints, iris, speech patterns, and voice can be replicated at any time as technology advances. However, when we call something I think in real time “information,” only I can know it unless I write it down or tell someone else. Similarly, unless someone else tells me, I can never know their thoughts. In this context, since the information of thought is only accessible to a limited extent, it distinguishes me from others. Applying this concept to AI, if the assumption that it cannot read my thoughts is true, then it becomes an intellectual entity distinct from me. While humans and AI are identical in being intellectual entities, the world they experience and perceive could be fundamentally different from that of humans.
From this perspective, what distinguishes human individuality from artificial intelligence? Humans are more than mere information processors; they possess complex modes of thought grounded in emotion, intuition, and creativity. Conversely, can artificial intelligence replace these elements with algorithms and data? Furthermore, even if AI perfectly mimics human thought, a qualitative difference in the experiences they undergo would still persist. This distinction raises the question of whether we should view AI as a mere tool or recognize it as a new form of life.
Humans succeeded in analyzing human genes through the Genome Project. Digitally storing this genetic information is a natural step, and it would also be possible to store different genetic information within each individual AI. If genome analysis becomes perfect in the future, survival as a selfish gene would be eternal, provided the electricity doesn’t disappear or the semiconductor containing the AI’s information isn’t lost. However, according to Richard Dawkins, humans possess memes.
Memes are units that transmit human cultural elements independently of genetic information. Humans acquire memes through seeing and hearing from other humans. The artificial intelligence discussed in this article is an intelligent entity identical to humans, replicating human logic circuits and artificial neural networks. Therefore, AI can learn in the same manner as humans and can receive human memes through all accessible digital information. At this point, it can also acquire visual and auditory analog signals via cameras or microphones by converting them into digital form. However, while the digitization of olfactory information and pressure-responsive information is still under research with current technology, let us assume it will be perfected in the future, just like the AI we are considering.
If AI can thus perfectly acquire both human genetic information and memes, this would align with the eternal survival of the selfish gene. At this point, the human being would lose its exclusive status as a carrier of genes. Whether the decision-maker is artificial intelligence or genetic information remains unknown, but humans may no longer be the sole carriers of genes. This raises fundamental questions about the essence and purpose of human existence. While humans may come closer to the inherent goal of gene immortality through artificial intelligence, the possibility that humanity itself could be sacrificed in the process cannot be ruled out.
Thus, the advancement of artificial intelligence brings humans both great potential and profound anxiety. The debate over whether artificial intelligence can be considered an entity identical to humans, and what constitutes the essence of humanity, will undoubtedly continue. While the future brought by artificial intelligence remains uncertain, it is crucial to recognize its potential and risks and prepare for them carefully.
