Why free will is required for true artificial intelligence

Dec 13, 2023 ·

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is the term used to describe a machine that has been trained to think, reason, and learn like a human. This has become an increasingly important area of research as advancements in technology have made it possible for artificial intelligence (AI) to reach new heights. AGI could potentially revolutionize the way we interact with machines and how they interact with us.

The ability to create AGI would require the development of free will. Free will is the idea that an individual has autonomy over their actions and decisions, and is not bound by predetermined external factors. This means that the AI would be able to make choices for itself rather than following instructions given by its programmer. For example, an AGI might be asked to solve a problem without being told what the solution should be.

An AGI would need to understand facts and be able to draw logical conclusions from them. However, it must also be able to think more abstractly and make creative leaps in order to come up with something truly original. This creative element is the basis of true artificial general intelligence.

AGI could also help us in areas such as medicine and education. It could provide medical professionals with better diagnoses and treatments, or help teachers come up with better ways to teach students. It could even assist in tasks such as predicting stock market trends or developing new technologies.

But while AGI could help us achieve incredible advancements in these areas, there are some concerns about allowing machines to have too much autonomy. There is always the risk that an AI could make decisions that are not in our best interests, or that it could be vulnerable to manipulation from malicious actors.

In conclusion, while AGI could open up many possibilities for society and our future, it is important to remember that free will is required in order for it to be a tool that benefits and not harms us. With the right safeguards in place, AGI could be a powerful asset to humanity.