Human or Machine? The Blurring Line of Intelligence

AI&Future |

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, the boundary between humans and machines is becoming increasingly blurred. While we enjoy the conveniences brought by AI, we also face numerous challenges.

Sci-fi films have long ingrained the idea that robots will one day rule the world. Technology is advancing at an astonishing pace, pushing artificial intelligence and machine learning to the forefront of innovation. However, the idea that machines can replace humans is patently absurd.
The Boundary between Machines and Humans: The Battle Between the Subconscious and Ambiguity
The biggest difference between robots and humans lies in our subconscious. Human cognitive abilities must be built from scratch, while the subconscious is always present. Therefore, we need lifelong learning, as the more tools we master, the stronger our cognitive abilities and the greater our ability to resolve ambiguity.

The Boundary between Artificial Intelligence and Humans
► The Boundary between Machines and Humans
As machines gradually acquire human characteristics, and as some humans acquire machine traits through self-improvement, the boundary between the two becomes blurred. Therefore, in the face of the rapid development of artificial intelligence, we need to more clearly define the difference between humans and machines. So, how can we organize and compress the entirety of human experience so that artificial intelligence can understand the concept of "humanity"?
To prevent humans from being relegated to "lesser machines" or completely replaced by machines, "The Age of Artificial Intelligence and Human Values" explores the boundary between humans and machines in the context of AI development, emphasizing the need for humans to clearly define their uniqueness to avoid being replaced by machines. Some attempt to highlight our uniqueness by emphasizing the harmony between humanity and divinity. Others, more pragmatically, seek to clarify which decisions can be delegated to machines and which must be made by humans.
As a starting point, we recommend defining "dignity." Without a shared concept of dignity, we may struggle to reach consensus when AI is used to infringe or undermine dignity, rendering our response ineffective. Without a definition of dignity, we cannot determine whether AI, once equipped with sufficient capabilities, can become a dignified being, act on human terms, or align with humans.
► Defining Dignity and Value
Kant proposed a concept of dignity that emphasizes the inherent value of humans as autonomous agents capable of moral reasoning and advocates that human subjects should not be treated as tools to achieve certain ends. Therefore, the renowned philosopher Kant's concept of dignity is considered a key criterion that distinguishes humans from machines. Can AI meet these dignity requirements? We believe that by clarifying the definition of dignity, we can better answer these questions and achieve harmonious coexistence with AI, avoiding premature attempts to co-evolve with it.
To maintain a deep understanding of ourselves and ensure that we can convey appropriate human concepts to machines during their machine learning, we humans must recommit to these definitions, and not just in academic settings. By exercising our agency, curiosity, and freedom of spirit, we can rekindle and cultivate curiosity about others, the natural world, the universe, and the divine, which will help us continue to participate in the redefinition of human boundaries.
Philosophical Discussions on Dignity
► The Connotation of Dignity
When defining machine decision-making, we must ensure that we encompass not only traditional values such as worth and power, but also important intrinsic human values. For example, the concept of "benevolence," while difficult to fully capture with mathematical precision, is an ineffable exemplar for humans, even considered a miracle. Kant's emphasis on dignity concerns the value of humans as moral agents, which is unique in contrast to machines' lack of birth, death, and emotions.
► Comparing Human and Artificial Intelligence Dignity
Clearly defining specific human attributes—particularly those widely enshrined in international political instruments and global beliefs, such as dignity—can provide guidance when humanity faces disorientation, help us make choices, set boundaries for our own evolution, and facilitate the precise transformation of AI into a human-like form. The following is an example definition of dignity: Dignity is an inherent quality of living beings who, born vulnerable and mortal, are filled with insecurities and fears. Yet, despite these predicaments, they can and do exercise their free will, choosing good over evil.
This definition is certainly not perfect and may not encompass all individuals deserving respect, such as those who possess consciousness but are unable to act. However, this does not prevent us from recognizing that once an individual has earned dignity, it should not be stripped away even if they are unable to continue their original actions. Artificial intelligence lacks human vulnerability and emotional experience, making it difficult for it to truly possess dignity. Despite its advanced nature, it cannot be conflated with human dignity.

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