Unleashing AI

By Victor Singh

UNLEASHING AI offers readers an insightful look into how the "21st most important buzzword" is shaping our lives today.

"Unleashing AI" by Victor Singh, the ultimate starting point for anyone who is curious about AI.

Prepare to be captivated as the author unravels the mysteries surrounding AI's evolution and delves into thought-provoking questions that demand our attention.

This book is more than a scholarly expedition nor should it be considered a philosophical heavy read — it is a guide that gently introduces readers to the essential vocabulary of artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine learning. Complex concepts become approachable, empowering readers to engage in meaningful discussions and shape the future of our technologically driven society. Consider it your passport closer to becoming an AI literate.

From the profound implications of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the ever-evolving role of project managers, Singh fearlessly navigates the complexities of AI policies, shedding light on the intricate webs they weave. Brace yourself for an eye-opening exploration of biased algorithms and their impact on our daily lives, challenging us to confront the ethical implications head-on.

But that's just the beginning. "Unleashing AI" goes beyond the surface, delving into the realms of AI autonomy, singularity, and the fascinating world of emotional and empathic AI. Prepare to question the boundaries of human intelligence as the author deftly explores its interplay with the rising tide of AI. And as social media continues to shape our lives, discover the profound influence AI and ML have on Social Media and the effect it has on Generation Z.

Prepare to have your perspectives challenged as Singh explores the boundaries of human intelligence and its relationship with AI. Through captivating storytelling and real-life examples, you'll gain insights into the ethical implications, social impact, and limitless opportunities that AI presents.

 

"Unleashing AI" is not just a book—it's an invitation to shape the future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Victor Singh
• Release date: Mar 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223207030

Victor Singh

Victor Singh is not your ordinary author; he is a dynamic Norwegian indie author who embarked on his writing journey in 2009. While his books have captivated readers worldwide, Victor's talents extend far beyond the realm of writing. With over nine years of experience in the IT industry, specializing in sales and project management, he has worked with a diverse range of companies, including start-ups, SMBs, and multinational corporations. Victor's vibrant personality and unwavering positivity have earned him a reputation as an energetic thought leader. His innate ability to inspire and motivate others is not limited to the world of IT; he brings the same passion to all aspects of his life. Writing books is just one of Victor's many hobbies, as he indulges in gaming, watching movies, and even sharing his reviews. Furthermore, his culinary skills shine as he explores the art of cooking, and he also dedicates time to being a mental coach, helping individuals achieve their full potential. Despite his diverse interests, Victor remains deeply committed to his writing craft. His books offer a unique blend of technical expertise, thought-provoking insights, and imaginative storytelling. Readers are captivated by his ability to seamlessly weave together complex concepts with engaging narratives, leaving them both educated and entertained. While Victor's accomplishments in the IT industry and his literary pursuits are impressive, it is his multifaceted nature as a Renaissance individual that truly sets him apart. His infectious energy, coupled with his zest for life, shines through in all his endeavors, making him a well-rounded and fascinating figure. As you delve into Victor's works, you will not only gain valuable knowledge and inspiration but also glimpse into the mind of a passionate individual who embraces life with enthusiasm and seeks to make a positive impact in every endeavor. Prepare to be enlightened, entertained, and inspired as you embark on a journey through the remarkable world of Victor Singh's writings.

Book preview

Prologue

The Gartner survey from 2022[1] I read before writing this book stated that 54% of AI projects make it from pilot to production and that 80% of executives think that automation with the help of AI can help with any business decision. I have experienced that our perceptions and experiences shape and limit our knowledge, so the desire to automate can also lead to potential dangers, especially when it comes to AI and machine learning. And even as we gain knowledge, we are constantly made aware of the vastness of our ignorance.

Throughout history, the combination of human intelligence and technological advancements has accelerated us to become the dominant species on Earth. From the creation of basic tools like spearheads and the discovery of fire to more advanced inventions like firearms and the Internet, this collaboration has been instrumental in shaping our civilization.

Without technology, we certainly would not have become the world’s most dominant species known as homo sapiens[2], nor would we have these lives of leisure. And yet, while technology has allowed us to become so powerful, it also poses a significant danger to us. Humans have a fundamental desire to discover and uncover what lies beyond their current understanding and experiences. The innate urge to explore the unknown is one of the defining characteristics of our species.

In the year 2023, we find ourselves on the cusp of an era where artificial intelligence (AI), a product of human ingenuity, is assuming responsibilities that were once exclusive done by human cognition. As you delve into the pages of this book, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI adeptly undertakes a multitude of tasks, often yielding results that approach, and occasionally surpass, human intelligence. This ever-improving capacity raises thought-provoking questions about the very essence of what it means to be human. Why are we striving to create entities that mirror our own likeness?

The AI revolution is occurring more quickly than most humans expect. However, we will be unprepared to navigate it or its implications unless we develop new concepts to explain, interpret, and organize its inevitable transformations. To ensure we are prepared for the coming changes, we must embrace the need for interdisciplinary research and new ways of thinking to keep up with the developments in the field of AI.

Even though I have nine years of IT industry experience. As far as AI is concerned, I lack specific expertise. As a result, my writing journey began with my deep curiosity and interest in AI. Through interacting with my former professor, colleagues, friends and others, my drive to understand this topic became stronger. With this understanding, I developed critical thinking regarding AI's future and, ultimately, our collective future. To achieve this, I spent numerous hours researching a diverse range of resources, including popular movies, computer games, and an extensive collection of 100 research papers. The result is what you are about to experience.

Unleashing AI provides an overview and maybe a new way of understanding AI, from its history and the key developments that have contributed to its evolution. It also examines the technologies that I believe helped give AI and ML the boost it required. It gives a broad understanding of the ethical and legal implications around autonomy, environmental issues and efficiency of policies. The potential implications of AI and ML for society, from the potential for job polarization to the risk of a future where decisions are made solely by algorithms, is also a topic that the book addresses.

Furthermore, topics around the effects of the competition among technology giants for AI knowledge, and the potential for using AI to mitigate future economic recessions are introduced. The book also explores the future of project management in the age of AI and raises ethical questions about accountability, the possibility of AI developing emotions, and the potential for AI to redefine the meaning of friendship.

Readers are encouraged to start reading the six first chapters. This will give you the foundation to understand the content. As soon as you've read these chapters, you can read any chapter you want. Taking the time to revisit each chapter and reflect upon its content will ensure a thorough reading experience. Please also use the Endnote as some explanations are found here. As you progress through the book, my aspiration is that it will inspire you to critically pursue going into more detail to answer the following: Should AI be confined to, partnered with, or deferred to?

Chapter 1

The Golden Apple

As an honor to the gaming community and my love for video games, I am using one of my favorite computer games to explain human purpose for knowledge.

It is common for us to use knowledge in everyday language. There are times when we refer to know-how and other times when we refer to wisdom. On many occasions we even use it to refer to information. Part of the difficulty of defining knowledge arises from its relationship to two other concepts, namely data and information. These two terms are often regarded as lower denominations of knowledge, but the exact relationship varies greatly from one example to another.

Knowledge is often treated very similarly to information in technologically oriented disciplines, especially when it comes to AI technology. However, knowledge is often treated as a more complex phenomenon in philosophy and literature, as seen in the Assassin's Creed where the artifact is called Apple of Eden/ The Golden Apple, which grants its user knowledge of the world and its secrets.

The golden apple from the popular video game series Assassin's Creed symbolizes the human thirst for knowledge. In the game, the golden apple is a powerful artifact, said to contain the knowledge of the gods, and is sought by various factions for its potential to unlock untold power and understanding. This desire to uncover the unknown and gain access to forbidden knowledge reflects the human tendency to seek out information and push the boundaries of our understanding.

Throughout history, human beings have been motivated to seek out new information, driven by their desire to comprehend the world around them and expand their knowledge. This is also the reason we call ourselves Homo sapiens, (knowing man., or wise man).

This drive for knowledge is evident in many fields, including science, philosophy, and the arts, where humans continue to seek out new information and broaden their understanding and to achieve our objectives.

The golden apple in Assassin's Creed serves as a metaphor for this unending pursuit of knowledge and highlights the innate human desire to understand and know more. This drive to acquire knowledge is rooted in our need to survive and thrive in an ever-changing environment.

While the urge to improve oneself is a driving force behind this pursuit, it is important to consider the potential outcomes and implications of new knowledge and advancements. This can help prevent narrow-minded thinking and promote a more holistic approach to innovation and technology.

According to philosophical views on knowledge, the concept of knowledge and its limitations has been a topic of debate for centuries. Immanuel Kant and Aristotle were two prominent philosophers who offered differing perspectives on the nature of knowledge.

Kant believed that our knowledge is restricted to the appearances of objects, rather than the objects themselves. He argued that the subjective nature of our perceptions, including the influence of space and time, and the limitations of our cognitive categories restrict our ability to understand the world as it truly is. He argued that quality of available knowledge should be regulated in order to ensure that our perceptions of reality are not further distorted.

Conversely, Aristotle believed that knowledge is acquired through our senses and that it is possible to have knowledge of things in themselves. He held that the senses provide the foundation for knowledge and that the pursuit of understanding leads to greater knowledge. However, our reliance on technology has the potential to reduce our ability to use our senses and intuition to understand the world around us. This, in turn, can lead to a limited perception of reality.

Recent scientific research has supported this view, as it has shown that our overreliance on technology has reduced our attention spans and decision-making skills. As a result, it is important for leaders in this digital age to prioritize focus and attention, as it is through these abilities that we can effectively make use of data and shape it in a meaningful way.

Intelligence without knowledge is similar to an engine without fuel. Humans require a great deal of knowledge which is passed down through generations to us through the form of language. Knowledge provides us with understanding of our history, which demonstrates how daily life has evolved and the events that drove change. By examining causes and events, we can better understand and predict future developments. History reminds us that poor decision making can have negative consequences, and thus it is crucial for informed decision making and a positive future. Without the rise of Big Data, data-intensive machine learning techniques that AI requires we would not have been able to make the enormous strides that they have and continue to do.

Philosophy asks critical questions that underpin science and technology, and history offers a broader understanding of the direction to take.

In terms of the impact of technology on knowledge, Kant recognized that while technology has improved the organization and accessibility of information, the authenticity of this knowledge remains a concern. According to Kant, humans have a natural inclination to explore the unknown, seeking to understand that which lies beyond their immediate grasp. This drive for knowledge is what makes humans unique. Aristotle recognized that knowledge is an ongoing pursuit, starting from a state of ignorance and leading to the generation of new knowledge and a deeper appreciation of the unknown. This cyclical process of gaining knowledge highlights the endless nature of the quest for truth and understanding.

Knowledge is gained through an endless cyclical process that relies on other minds. Often, we think in groups, so no single individual can comprehend everything. As a result, we are the best beings on earth. There is very limited knowledge that a single human knows about the world, and as we go down history, there is even less we know. While humans believe we know a great deal, we are too dependent on other people's expertise to explain our knowledge. As an example, I relied heavily on the expertise and knowledge of others when writing this book.  Since we tend to treat knowledge in others' minds as if it were our own. Therefore, it is important to recognize the impact of collective knowledge and its potential to influence our beliefs and actions.

The drive for knowledge and innovation in technology is unlikely to diminish. With advancements in AI and ML, the demand for individuals who can connect complex mathematical concepts with real-world observations and applications is only increasing. The development of AI systems, for instance, relies heavily on mathematical models and algorithms, which can often seem abstract and unintuitive to the general public. However, as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the need for individuals who can bridge the gap between technical expertise and practical applications will only continue to grow. While the constant pursuit of new knowledge and technology may seem daunting, it is a necessary aspect of progress and a driving force for continued advancements in the field of AI and our species as curious humans. An epoch of change has begun. Technology is transforming knowledge, discovery, communication, and individual thinking in a new way. Yet, AI is not a human being. It does not feel, hope, or pray. In addition, it does not possess the ability to be aware or reflective. AI is a human creation, reflecting human-designed processes on human-created machines.

Even today, it's still really hard to create a machine that can do useful things. Even with all the advanced technology we have now, there are still a lot of challenges to overcome. One of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to teach the machine what it needs to know so it can do the things we want it to do.

Both Kant and Aristotle had distinct perspectives on the nature of knowledge and its limitations, but both acknowledged that the ongoing pursuit of truth and understanding is the essential drive for human progress so we can improve ourselves. And this means that people who know next to nothing about AI, technology, ethical principles, or the economy are making policies. I fear that the power of group thinking is so strong that it will be very difficult to break its hold.

Chapter 2

How Did We Get Here?

For as long as humans have been on this planet, we’ve invented forms of communication – from smoke signals and messenger pigeons to the telephone and email – that have constantly evolved how we interact with each other. We have continually managed to teach ourselves new abilities to transmit larger quantities of information about our world. Over the span of 255 years (the industrial revolution), technological innovation has played a fundamental driver of both economic progress and the expansion of human knowledge.

One of the biggest developments in communication came in 1831 with the invention of the electric telegraph. While post existed as a form of communication before this date, electrical engineering in the 19th century had a revolutionary impact. 

For better or worse, there are many techs and gadgets that have changed our lives in the past quarter century.AI is constantly evolving and making our old inventions even better. The technologies and timeline are partial, but it gives a comprehensive overview of technological advancements and evolution that have contributed to the progress of AI.[3]

Printing Press

Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the movable printing press in 1440 may be considered one of the greatest inventions in our modern era. It began taking root in Europe in the 1450s with the printing of the aforementioned Bible. The printing press is the foundation for modernity, having given rise to movements such as the renaissance and the enlightenment, not to mention the scientific, protestant, and industrial revolutions.[4]

The printing press facilitated the opening of communication and spreading of knowledge, breaking the stranglehold of the Church on the word and letting new social classes rise with the newfound capability to acquire and spread information.

Prior to the printing press, information was only available to a few group of people, but the printing press made ‘knowledge’ accessible, public and available to everyone. You might say that a modern-day equivalent to Gutenberg's printing press was the Internet.

The Computer

The rapid evolution of computers and their integration into our daily lives has been a revolutionary development in recent history. It's important to note that the first digital computers were only created approximately 80 years ago. This relatively short period of time has seen computers transformed from a new invention to an essential part of modern society.

In 1942, Konrad Zuse embarked on a groundbreaking project that would lead to the creation of the first commercial computer, the Z4.[5] This revolutionary machine was sold to mathematician Eduard Stiefel of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich on July 12, 1950, marking the beginning of a new era in computing. Nearly two decades later, on November 15, 1971, Intel revolutionized the industry again with the introduction of the first microprocessor, the Intel 4004.[6] In 1975, Ed Roberts coined the term personal computer when he introduced the Altair 8800, setting the stage for the widespread adoption of computers in homes and offices around the world.[7]

Internet

Internet can be traced back to the