Artificial intelligence

Definition

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI encompasses various technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics, and raises critical questions about the future of humanity in relation to technology. In literature, AI often serves as a pivotal theme, exploring the boundaries between human and machine, as well as the moral and ethical implications of creating autonomous entities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AI has been a central theme in science fiction literature since the early 20th century, questioning what it means to be human.
2. In cyberpunk literature, AI often manifests as powerful entities that can challenge human authority and control, leading to dystopian societies.
3. The portrayal of AI in literature frequently reflects societal fears and hopes about technology, emphasizing the potential for both enhancement and danger.
4. Post-human literature often explores the implications of AI on identity, as characters may blur the lines between human and machine.
5. Advancements in AI technology have sparked discussions about ethics, especially regarding autonomy, decision-making, and the potential for machines to surpass human capabilities.

Review Questions

• How does artificial intelligence challenge the traditional concept of what it means to be human in literature?
  • Artificial intelligence challenges the traditional concept of humanity by introducing characters or entities that possess human-like qualities such as reasoning, emotion, and decision-making. This blurring of lines creates philosophical questions about consciousness, identity, and what distinguishes humans from machines. Literature often depicts scenarios where AI surpasses human capabilities, forcing characters to confront their own limitations and redefining their understanding of existence.
• Analyze how cyberpunk literature portrays artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
  • Cyberpunk literature typically portrays artificial intelligence as a double-edged sword—capable of both enhancing society through innovation and causing societal collapse due to its uncontrolled power. These narratives often illustrate dystopian futures where AI systems dominate everyday life, leading to issues such as loss of privacy, increased surveillance, and social stratification. Through these portrayals, cyberpunk authors reflect contemporary anxieties about technology’s influence on personal freedom and societal structures.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of artificial intelligence as represented in post-human literature.
  • Post-human literature critically evaluates the ethical implications of artificial intelligence by exploring themes such as autonomy, morality, and the essence of identity. As characters interact with AI that may possess agency or consciousness, authors provoke readers to consider the moral responsibilities towards sentient machines. This examination raises questions about rights, governance, and the potential consequences of creating entities that may surpass human intellect and capabilities, prompting a reevaluation of what it means to be 'alive' or 'sentient' in a technologically advanced society.

Related terms

Machine Learning: A subset of artificial intelligence that enables machines to learn from data and improve their performance over time without being explicitly programmed.

Transhumanism: A philosophical movement that advocates for the enhancement of the human condition through advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Cybernetics: An interdisciplinary field that studies the communication and control systems in living beings and machines, often overlapping with artificial intelligence.