Can Intelligence Be “Artificial”? Philosophical Food for Thought

? Reflect, if you will, on a world where "artificial intelligence" (AI) isn't seen as an alien, "artificial" construct, but rather as an essential participant within a diverse panorama of an intelligent society. Visualize a framework where organic, inorganic, natural, and digital intelligences function in unique and independent ways yet harmoniously sparking leaps of innovative progress in our human journey. Throughout history, we humans have engineered a myriad of societal-transforming innovations and technologies. Just because they didn’t explicitly harness our "knowledge," as compiled and made accessible through cutting-edge generative AI language models, we didn't label them as "artificial." Newly developed AI technologies are the product of our intelligence – our creativity – our experiences – our data – and our history. Perhaps they are less artificial and more a testament to our collective intellectual capacity.

When we reflect on the origins of intelligence, interesting debates, and considerations come into play. The cradle of organic intelligence lies in the countless eons of evolution, birthing complex biological systems capable of information processing, learning, adaptation, and reaction to environmental stimuli. Contrastingly, our modern digital intelligence, embodied in creations such as ChatGPT and other language models, arises from human inventiveness and an enormous reservoir of data. These digital systems, similar in many respects to their organic counterparts, showcase a form of intelligence originating from an interplay of algorithms – not unlike the interaction of neurons in our brains.

This profound correlation beckons us to reflect upon the essence of intelligence itself, ultimately transcending the confines of organic and inorganic. Upon careful contemplation, we discover that intelligence is a byproduct of complexity, emergence, and interconnectedness. It's a synergistic dance of distinct components working in tandem to engender intelligent behavior – whether through the neural networks in our brains or the intricate algorithms running our machines.

To accentuate this interconnectedness, consider the metaphor of early humans harnessing fire. Initially, a fascinating spectacle ignited by lightning, the fire eventually succumbed to human innovation as our ancestors learned to create it. Would they have labeled the flames they produced as "artificial fire"? Likely not. Fire is simply fire, regardless of its source.

Similarly, as we venture into the realm of crafting intelligent systems, we delve into the depths of human creativity, pooling from our collective wisdom and understanding of the cosmos. Although these systems lack the biological substrate characteristic of organic intelligence, they undoubtedly reflect intelligence in their own right.

There remains, of course, the philosophical quandary regarding the gulf between sentient, conscious intelligence and the operations within our current comprehension of intelligent systems. This concept, known as the "singularity," envisages a future, feared or not, where artificial intelligence eclipses human intelligence, potentially blossoming into superintelligence.

However, taking a more Nozickian stance, we might suggest that the division between "artificial" and "organic" intelligence could be a mere construct, a product of our limited understanding. Perhaps intelligence is a more universal phenomenon rooted in a conscious universe, simply relying on the ability to process information, learn, adapt, and make decisions based on available data – regardless of its construct.

Is there a case for a new and more inclusive perspective? Perhaps it is time to reframe our understanding and recognize that all forms of intelligence are fundamentally "real” – in humans, nature, or systems. The metaphor of fire illuminates this perspective – intelligence, like fire, arises from various components interacting, regardless of whether those components are organic or inorganic.

When we consider an inclusive perspective that all intelligence is real, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of the diversity and reality of intelligence itself. Instead of classifying intelligence based on its origin, would we then uncover the principles governing intelligent behavior across organisms and algorithms?

As we unravel the potential harmonies between organic and inorganic intelligence, we find ourselves on the cusp of remarkable advancements across various sectors of society. This blend of differing forms of intelligence has the potential to give rise to an endless field of transformative solutions.

Humanity's role as the architects of digital intelligence highlights the importance of our continued participation in shaping the future of such intellectual collaborations. As we develop and implement intelligent systems, the ethical framework and equitable distribution of benefits become paramount considerations. The influence of human values and wisdom is crucial in guiding the trajectory of intelligent systems, embodying our collective aspirations, and fostering a harmonious interplay for the future. The ethical considerations in AI and technology development are indeed crucial.

In this light, however, the term "artificial intelligence" seems to fall short of capturing the true nature of what it represents. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all intelligent systems and acknowledging that digital intelligence is a byproduct of deliberate human input, perhaps we should consider alternative terminologies. "Interconnected Intelligence" or "Collaborative Intelligence" might better express such thinking systems. New viewpoints could more accurately represent the realities of this technological era rushing upon us. Through collaboration, innovation, and a more comprehensive understanding of intelligent systems, we could pave the way toward a future where “intelligence,” labeled artificial or otherwise, transcends boundaries and contributes to a better world.