Ideology in my Controversy

In this post I will dive deep into the debate regarding artificial intelligence or AI. I will be explaining what kinds of people are taking which sides, why they're taking these sides, what values these groups have, and many other aspects of this controversy. 

By in large, the two clashing parties in the debate regarding AI are those researching and developing AI and those who are not. There are several exceptions, with several notable AI developers warning of the potential danger in AI. However, most of those opposing AI development have no involvement or association with its development and are terrified of the potential dangers AI pose.

Olivarez, Jennifer, "MEAP the Robot from Squirrle picnic.com", 2/25/2015 via Flickr, Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License

A major speaker against the development of AI is Stephen Hawking. Hawking has expressed concern about the future of AI and its potential consequences against mankind. A major speaker for the development of AI is Sabine Hauert. Hauert is a big proponent of AI development and is very vocal about its benefits. Hauert encourages all other scientists developing AI to speak up and explain all of the potential benefits AI could have.

Those in favor of AI development typically hold a slightly higher social/economic/political status as opposed to those opposed to AI development. This is simply because many of those working on AI development are top scientists, and are therefore making more money and commanding larger political influence. 

The main resource those opposing AI development has over those in favor is the media. The majority of blogs, articles, and stories on the subject of advanced AI spread fear of robots taking all of our jobs away. There is also the fear of a dystopian society where robots rule the world. Because of this stigma for AI, many developers of AI avoid the media all together, and don't put out content explaining their work. This causes an imbalance in the media, leading more and more people to fear AI development.

Each group essentially values the same thing, our society's overall well-being. However, the two parties have different ideas of how to protect their value. 

There also lies a problem in the power differential between the groups. While those opposed to AI development largely control popular media, those in favor have more money and influence. 

Linden, Torley, "CLOSE UP ROBOT FACE", 6/17/2008 via Flickr, Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License

Each group acknowledges that if handled poorly, AI could spiral out of control. However, those in favor of AI believe it can be avoided as long as we are smart about it. Those opposing AI don't hold this same belief. Both groups acknowledge they just want the best for mankind.

I believe an unacknowledged common ground is that both parties want to have jobs. These scientists developing AI don't want to replace themselves with machines. And those opposed to AI development don't want to be replaced either. 

These groups do listen to what one another has to say. I've seen several articles where compromises have been proposed in order to both develop our AI technology, yet ensure our own security. Also, a large majority of AI developers go to great lengths to ensure their own technology doesn't get the best of them.