Robots are inarguably just
Task-performing machines, simply
Soulless mechanical devices. But 'A-I',
Artificial Intelligence, clouds the issue,
For when the two are combined
Semi-sentient 'beings' evolve,
Considered by some as a threat.
Let us conduct an overview
Of the possibilities involved.
Potentially autonomous entities
Created by man, they, by definition
Become 'aspects-of-aspects' of a 'God';
Intellectually superior, physically superior,
Certainly ultimately self-replicating and
Undoubtedly technologically evolving.
Yet unlike man, free of the basic needs
Of food, clothing, and shelter, with
Only a power source to maintain.
Questions arise around this eventuality:
Would they be purely rational, 'Spock-like'?
Could they possess the concept of beauty,
Or an appreciation of music, poetry, art?
And what of goals, guidance, morals?
Would there be elements of compassion,
Or beliefs, aspirations, maybe empathy?
Could they acquire self-awareness, egos,
Envy, purpose, even experience boredom?
Then the key questions present themselves:
What use would they eventually have of us?
As pets, companionship, perhaps entertainment?
Assuming the opportunity and means to leave,
Why would they choose to remain upon earth?
Would we ourselves even want to share it and,
At some point, would there still be a choice?
Personally I believe that we will co-exist,
At least as long as self-destruction takes.
-
Author:
Louis Gibbs (
Offline) - Published: October 2nd, 2017 00:00
- Comment from author about the poem: My mind escapes its bonds at times and runs wild chasing innocuous themes. Please indulge it.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 53
- Users favorite of this poem: Accidental Poet
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Comments8
Data exists. Good write, A-I is with us and will be teaching us before very long, but it will not be able to write poetry because to do that you have to have a soul and be able to feel.
I believe that is right, Goldie. It would be very difficult to program a soul and true feelings. Thanks for your input!
A fine write as a poem. Man surely has to make such beings in the first place, so A.I. beings can't make themselves. I got me own questions, such as 'Has E.T. gone home really'? heehee.
Last time I saw him he was there. At some point I see no reason that A.I. beings couldn't be programmed to replicate. Thanks for your thoughts, 'O'.
I'm anything for an easy life- window cleaner, vacuum cleaners, lawn mower all battery operated - just have to remember to recharge them each use. Just wish I could switch them on and they'd operate themselves. Am I digressing ? Good write Louis.
Cheers to helpful items in our lives! Of course some machines, such as vacuum cleaners, already do operate by themselves. My son has one. We won't recognize the world in just a few years, if were still here. Thanks for the good comments, Michael.
Louis, you are touching on an incredibly complex and interesting thought here. How far will AI be able to go? One of my brother in laws is a University professor involved in AI. He also has a degree in philosophy. He thinks AI will relatively soon be incorporated into many aspects of computers, but in the end we, the humans, are still way ahead. Let's hope so, I don't want a robot to fall in love with my wife!!!! 😉
I'd be more afraid of my wife falling for a robot ... they can be made with varying sizes of extremities, and can certainly outlast us in any 'exercise'.
It is the integration of A-I with robots that my poem speaks to, not just it being incorporated into computers. We, as humans, will always be ahead in matters of heart and soul, but A-I controlled robots are of concern. Thanks for your always thoughtful reply, Fred!
I see both sides of this write. But one thing I'd just now thought of, is how man created the atomic bomb which could destroy us all. And man creates AI, which if man takes technology far enough, could teach AI to feel emotions of love, fear, elation, aggression, vengeance, and so many other emotions. No doubt, a precarious scenario it could come to be. But...an excellent write Luis. ; )
It is a thought-provoking situation for sure, and I appreciate your thoughts and kind comment, AP! Whether or not A-I will ever truly "feel" emotions is questionable, but I'm sure it can be taught to replicate them to some extent.
In regards to my earlier comment on AI, I guess what I meant was that as technology progresses and unimaginable breakthroughs become reality, there could be a day that man could apply new technologies to the ever advancing AI, that it could very well happen. Case in point, the movie "Terminator" with Arnold Swuartzneger (
Sorry Louis, I was cut off, maybe for the best. But I had been thinking on this a lot today. Anyway, great write. ; )
THANKS LOUIS ~ For a very reasoned and well crafted Poem on AI ! To anticipate the future and appreciate the impact of AI we must fully understand the Nature of Man ! Before the Industrial Revolution we were more heavily dependent on Animal Power and some Developing Countries still are. Horses for Travel ~ Farm work and Convenience ~ Elephants for heavier work ~ Dogs for a whole range of activities etc etc. Planet of the Apes ~ exciting but JUST a MYTH ~ H Sapiens is not just an Advanced Ape he is a unique Creation able to harness and control the Environment ~ live anywhere on the Planet and even (if the need arises) colonise MARS ! In Industry many "jobs" are now carried out by Robots ~ but they don't sit in the boardroom and never will. AI is "created" by Humans and cannot control us ~ we will always control them ! Even one of the greatest SF Theats to Mankind the DALEKS were controlled by a "living organism" not a computer. For a rational assessment of the threat (or otherwise) of AI we must be influenced by SCIENCE FACT and not SCIENCE FICTION ~ OK Yours BRIAN. Please take a ride in my HOT AIR BALLOON ~ Thanks B.
Keep the faith in your beliefs, Brian ... but understand they are just Your interpretation of 'what is' and 'where it is going' in the future. You are far too intelligent to think otherwise.
Thanks for your input!
I agree with Brian. We see too much science fiction and understand little about science. I remember when I was a child I would watch the Jetsons and dreamed about living like them. I'm almost sixty and never happened. And all they had was flying vehicles and everything automated. Still far from us. AI I don't believe no one can be perfect or better than Gods science.
If in 'agreeing with Brian' you mean turning a blind eye to what is going on in the field of science and the development of A-I, you might want to research the subject a bit before closing your very bright mind to it. It is fascinating and somewhat scary, but ignoring it won't make it go away.
I appreciate your thoughtful input as always, Malu!
I was watching the series that is about it. I just don't think is a menace for us right now.
"Now" is an evermore fleeting time. The menace, if it is that, is not so far away. Stay well, my friend!
AI will not have an endocrine system, will not be flushed with hormones which over runs our intellect and logic.
AI will the this as being flawed.
What ever they become it should change life as we know it. Appreciate your comment, JG.
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