The Promethean Crisis of AI
In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a Titan who wanted to uplift mankind and provide them with essential knowledge and gifts. He once did this by stealing fire from Mount Olympus to gift it to mankind. This act of disobedience angered Zeus, who saw it as a violation of divine order, and perhaps as too dangerous for mankind to handle responsibly. Prometheus was punished severely.
What fascinates me about the Promethean myth is that neither Zeus nor Prometheus were wrong in their visions of how mankind would make use of fire, which on the one hand has caused untold destruction to forests, buildings, and books, and on the other hand, has brought warmth, light, nutrition, and further technological advancement. Prometheus is a useful myth through which to view any technological advancement of mankind, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
From improving efficiency in nearly every industry, to revolutionizing the performance of healthcare, AI has shown immense promise. However, this rapidly advancing technology also brings with it a set of challenges and ethical dilemmas. As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated and capable so that our reliance on them grows, their impact on critical thinking, bias, privacy, healthcare, and the very fabric of society deserves careful consideration..
One of the key risks of AI that's already playing out is its impact on critical thinking in education. Valerie Hudson writes in her opinion piece “ChatGPT and the Dawn of the New Dark Ages” that the widespread use of AI, particularly in chatbot systems like ChatGPT, is diminishing our cognitive abilities, particularly the young who haven’t yet learned fundamental reading, writing, and cognitive skills. As we rely more on AI to answer questions and provide information, there is a risk of becoming intellectually lazy and losing the ability to think critically. The implication is that the convenience offered by AI should not overshadow the importance of developing and nurturing our own analytical skills.
Further, with AI taking over tasks such as grading and feedback, students may be deprived of valuable human interaction and personalized guidance.
In writing for The Atlantic, Ian Bogost emphasizes the importance of ethical guidelines for AI systems in his article “ChatGPT is Dumber Than You Think.” The article underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in AI development as tools like ChatGPT routinely generate incorrect or misleading information.
Harvard Business School professor Tsedal Neeley ’s case study “Timnit Gebru: 'SILENCED No More' on AI Bias and The Harms of Large Language Models” highlights the issue of bias in AI systems. The proliferation of AI without robust checks and balances can perpetuate biases present in the underlying data and algorithms. This bias can have far-reaching consequences, from reinforcing systemic inequalities to exacerbating social divisions. Addressing bias in AI requires a multifaceted approach that involves diverse perspectives, rigorous testing, and continuous monitoring to ensure fairness and impartiality.
Dr. Lee Hood and Nathan Price , in their Wall Street Journal article “The AI Will See You Now,” demonstrate the expanding role of AI in healthcare. Physicians are using AI systems like ChatGPT to provide patients with advice and guidance. While this technology offers the potential for enhanced healthcare access and efficiency, it also raises concerns about patient privacy, data security, and the impact on the doctor-patient relationship. Safeguarding patient interests and maintaining the human touch in healthcare should remain paramount as AI continues to permeate the medical field.
Looking to Promethean fire as an example, the most admirable, ethical approach to AI is to get ahead of it, to learn how it works, and to develop standards, guidelines, and products that harness it into favorable use for mankind. There will no doubt be “forest fires,” “arson,” and “book burnings” along the way, but as we embrace the potential of AI, it will advance humanity further than any of us can imagine, just as fire in its many forms has and continues to do.
