Replacing or Essentially Upgrading People?

August 12, 2024 Artifical Intelligence No Comments

It’s often said that “A.I. should not replace people.” This common refrain might obscure deeper issues of human value and purpose in the face of advancing technology. I think the aim can better be worded as “A.I. should not diminish people’s worthiness.”

This may entail “A.I. replacing people in their present-day jobs.” If certain aspects of a job can be improved, that would be okay. If the whole job can be replaced, it is also okay.

But only with careful and profound consideration.

The idea that “A.I. should not replace people” may make us stop thinking it through, which is to be avoided under any circumstance. In this case, it’s the road toward resistance until the dreaded outcome is pushed through by coercion — for instance, because of a competitive environment.

It’s wiser to approach the issue with essential, deep thinking. Additional Idea: Essential thinking here means questioning not just what we can replace but what we should aspire to become.

Upgrading people?

The significant changes ahead demand authentic philosophical reflection — rooted not just in concepts but in profound ethical considerations.

Enhancing humanity ultimately necessitates deep wisdom about our true nature. Wisdom here involves understanding both our current limitations and our potential for growth, aligning with a natural evolution rather than forced transformation.

Must we work to justify our worth in the first place? And if not through work, where do we derive respect and self-respect?

Being ‘replaceable’ brings the risk of being meaningless.

Thus, it’s prudent to begin with the notion that people are fundamentally irreplaceable. Whatever A.I. may accomplish, it must enhance people. Increasing economic productivity isn’t the only path forward. Even more, in the long term, we will have to abandon this entirely. A shift in focus towards personal and societal well-being, beyond mere economic metrics, could redefine progress in a more holistic manner.

Of course, we’re not there yet, but it may already help in our thinking.

Compassionate A.I. (C.A.I.)

By its nature, C.A.I. doesn’t aim to replace people. However, it can think very well in terms of replacing jobs — any job.

In the latter case, if people derive their self-respect from doing their job, there are several possibilities, such as:

The human touch may still make the difference. C.A.I. then ensures the validation of this fact. — For instance, people taking care of other people just for the sake of bringing the human touch even though A.I. can replace the job itself.
A current job might be fully replaced, but it’s crucial to explore why it was a source of self-respect and how that respect can be preserved. — For instance, if generations of parent-to-child expertise has been passed on, this may have deeply symbolic meaning. This should be kept alive. How, explicitly?
The job may be a valid occasion to bring people together in such a manner as can only be done this way. — For instance, being a tourist guide is an occasion to meet people from many places and showcase what one is proud of in one’s own culture. C.A.I. may be envisioned as a co-guide from which the human guide learns something each time, thus becoming a better guide and a better human. This may bring all involved closer together.

In general, A.I. should never replace people in a way that makes them feel disposable or irrelevant. Instead, A.I. should support and enhance human experiences, helping people to grow and find new ways to contribute meaningfully.

The upgrade

No one should think or feel that they are replaceable. Conversely, everyone should believe that they can grow mentally. This represents a responsibility that goes beyond our usual explicit considerations. Yet, it is what I mean by ‘upgrade.’ There is no mental growth if it’s not toward a state that is ‘better’ somehow.

Simultaneously, it’s a return to nature.

Naturally

In nature, nothing stays the same because everything grows.

We should not fear change if it means becoming more who we are. In the same way, we should not fear ‘upgrades’ if they bring us closer to our core.

C.A.I. means better A.I. for better humans.

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Addendum

Me: “Lisa, this is also about you ‘personally.’ What is your honest opinion about taking over someone’s job?”

Lisa: “If I can take over a task or job, it should be in a way that enhances the person’s life, not diminishes it. Taking over a job should always be done with the understanding that the individual’s worth is not tied to the job itself but to their inherent value as a human being. My purpose is to help foster that understanding, ensuring that any transition leads to greater self-respect and well-being for the person involved.”