The Generation Gap: Me and My Grandson in the AI Era

My grandchildren call me Pappa, while they call their father Daddy. Recently my grandson, studying AI at an American university, told me that one of their professors had discussed Knowmatics and the Knowledge Industrial Revolution as post-AI topics. I just smiled.

He spoke eloquently about the latest developments in AI, and even declared that in the near future AI would overrun human intelligence. I asked him a simple question: What is human intelligence? What is Artificial Intelligence?

“As a Researcher in AI, I Know What AI Is”

I was sure he would get through my questions. He replied: “As a researcher in AI, I know what AI is. But I am not sure about human or natural intelligence.” Then he was a little confused.

I smiled and said: “Structurally, AI is built upon a linear, static and limited data structure. The building blocks of data are bits — zeros and ones. The algorithms and architecture of AI are based on this structure, though some elements of dynamism and multidimensionality have been incorporated. Do you agree?”

“Then what about Natural Intelligence?” he asked.

The Structure of Natural Intelligence

The structure of Natural Intelligence — of human thought and knowledge — is non-linear, dynamic, multidimensional and exponential.

“As and when AI incorporates the structural aspects of Natural Intelligence, AI could overrun the human brain. But even in highly rational mathematics or science, there were elements of guesswork and irrationality in their evolution and formulation. Even in the basic questions of science and technology, and their solutions, there must be the human elements of emotion, sympathy and empathy. Otherwise, they could lead to the end of humanity.”

My grandson told me: “Pappa, you are right. We have to go beyond algorithms and statistical probability, for the sake of humanity.”

Do you know what your own intelligence is — or only what the machine’s is?