Reply To: Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) Different From Ayn Rand’s Immortal Robot?

[Jon Hersey]

I think the main concerns are that AI could be an extremely powerful tool, and that evil people could put it to evil use, for instance, asking ChatGPT how to build a nuclear bomb.

I think AI is distinct from the immortal, indestructible robot in that it isn’t immortal or indestructible. If an AI loses power, it ceases to exist. So, if somehow AI developed consciousness, it would have to have values.

The indestructible robot isn’t (in my view) the most helpful example, because it is a hypothetical that defies all known laws of existence. The closest actual existent to it would be a rock or a rubber tire or some other inanimate thing.