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Will Artificial Intelligence Spell the End of Humanity?

The Unique Fear of AI

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Jun 21, 2024 - 02:32

Will Artificial Intelligence Spell the End of Humanity?

WRITTEN BY YUSUF İNAN

Will Artificial Intelligence Spell the End of Humanity?

In recent times, prominent figures and institutions across Europe and America, including the Pope, have raised alarms about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI). While it is essential to keep pace with technological advancements and embrace scientific realities, why is there such widespread fear?

The Unique Fear of AI

The Western world appears more frightened of AI than of atomic bombs, missiles, and nuclear weapons. But is AI truly more dangerous than these formidable arsenals? The Pope's call to world leaders highlights AI as a significant threat, prompting urgent action. However, a historical perspective reveals that weapons and science have not been the primary dangers to humanity. Instead, it has often been the actions and decisions of leaders that have caused the most harm.

Lessons from Sacred Texts

Sacred texts throughout history show that civilizations were not destroyed by weapons or scientific advancements. Rather, they perished due to oppression, injustice, and extremism. The leading cause of destruction, as outlined in these texts, is ignorance. Civilizations were often wiped out by the actions of uneducated, intolerant individuals who failed to respect their era and society.

The Promise of AI

AI has the potential to unlock vast reservoirs of knowledge and serve humanity in unprecedented ways. It can bring happiness, not sorrow. Governments and religious authorities should focus not on curbing AI, but on eliminating oppression and injustices, striving for equal distribution and universal prosperity.

Root Causes of Modern Conflicts

Current global conflicts do not stem from a surplus of knowledge. They arise from envy, intolerance, and a lack of respect for life. Consider the tragic events in Iran, the Iran-Iraq war, Saddam Hussein's massacre in Halabja, the Afghan conflict, Taliban oppression, the Israeli-Palestinian strife, the persecution of Uighurs in Xinjiang, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These wars and atrocities are driven by the malevolence within individuals, not by scientific advancements.

A Parable of Human Nature

Imagine a fountain in a forest, built as an experiment. Animals drink from it, leave it clean, and move on. Humans, however, drink, litter, and eventually destroy the fountain, ceasing its flow of fresh water. This parable illustrates a fundamental issue: the greatest threat to humanity is not AI, but the lack of compassion and a culture of intolerance. It is the failure to embrace sharing and mutual respect that endangers our future.

Biblical Reflections

The scriptures offer profound insights. For instance, in the Quran, Surah Baqarah 84 reminds us of the covenant to avoid shedding each other's blood unjustly and to refrain from expelling one another from our homes. Surah Nisa 156 highlights the consequences of persistent disbelief and slander. Similarly, Surah Al-Qasas 58 reflects on the destruction of societies indulged in luxury and heedlessness, leaving behind desolate homes and heritage for others to inherit.

AI, like any technology, is a tool that can be used for good or ill. The real peril lies not in the tool itself, but in how humanity chooses to wield it. As we advance technologically, it is crucial to foster a culture of empathy, justice, and equality. By addressing these deeper issues, we can ensure that AI becomes a force for positive change rather than a harbinger of doom.