The Fear of AI and AE: A Parallel of Technological Apprehension Across Centuries

Picture a world without electricity, where our modern lives are devoid of the conveniences we cherish today. It's a chilling thought, but it could have been our reality if we had succumbed to excessive fear and ignored the potential benefits. As with any powerful technology, electricity and AI can be harnessed for good and bad purposes. Let this be a reminder that excessive fear can close our eyes to the countless opportunities that advancements in technology, like electricity and AI, offer to enrich our lives positively. Embrace the potential while responsibly managing the risks!?

The Looming AI Fear: Embracing the Unknown

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly become one of the most intriguing and controversial technological advancements of the 21st century. As AI's capabilities have grown exponentially, so have people's fears and concerns about its potentially harmful impact on society. However, it is not the first time a revolutionary scientific concept has sparked fear and uncertainty. Centuries ago, during the 18th century, a similar phenomenon occurred with "Artificial Electricity" (AE). But what exactly is AE, and how does its historical parallel with AI shed light on humanity's ability to harness and control potentially dangerous technologies??

Artificial Electricity (AE) - A Historical Perspective?

In the 18th century, scientists and experimenters began to explore the properties of electricity in a more controlled manner, using various artificial means to generate and study electric charges. Before this period, static electricity had been observed using natural materials like amber, a substance known to produce an electric charge when rubbed. However, the uncontrolled nature of these observations left much to chance, hindering a deeper understanding of this curious force.?

To distinguish this newfound controlled form of electricity, generated intentionally by scientists, from the natural observations with amber and similar substances, the term "Artificial Electricity " was coined. The artificial aspect of AE?emphasised?that it was the result of deliberate experimentation rather than a serendipitous encounter with static electricity in nature.?

Parallel of Fear - AI and AE?

The parallel between the apprehension surrounding AI today and the fear once associated with AE in the 18th century is striking. Just as AI has raised concerns about its potential to surpass human intelligence and alter societal norms, AE, too, evoked anxiety about its unpredictable effects on human life and civilisation.?

In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the fear of Artificial Electricity is graphically portrayed through the creation of the monstrous creature using animated tissue. This cautionary tale reflects the anxiety surrounding artificial creations, and modern Sci-Fi books on AI risks echo similar fears of losing control over powerful artificial entities and the consequences of meddling with nature's laws.?

When comparing current AI fears with the fears people had in the 18th century about "Artificial electricity," we can draw some similarities:?

• Safety Concerns: Both AI and "Artificial electricity" raised safety concerns. In the 18th century, people feared the dangers of handling electricity, while today, there are worries about AI systems making critical decisions without proper safety precautions.??? ?
• Supernatural Associations: In the 18th century, electricity was seen as a mystical force, and people attributed supernatural characteristics to it. Similarly, some individuals today view AI as a futuristic, almost magical technology that could surpass human intelligence with potentially existential risks.?
• Unpredictability: In both cases, there was an element of unpredictability. In the 18th century, the behaviour of electricity was not entirely understood, just as AI's decision-making processes are not always fully transparent today.? ?
• Job Displacement: Industrialisation, driven?in part by "Artificial electricity," led to significant job displacements and concerns about the future of certain professions. Similarly, AI and automation raise similar worries about job displacement in the modern context.?
• Ethical Concerns: Both AI and "Artificial electricity" raise ethical questions about how these technologies should be used and the potential for misuse or harmful consequences.?

The fear associated with things labelled as "artificial," like AI and AE, perhaps stems from the contrast between the familiar and the unknown. The term implies human intervention, triggering wariness towards the unfamiliar. Rapid technological advancements intensify uncertainties about their consequences and risks. Balancing benefits and responsible management is crucial in navigating the realm of AI and other artificial creations.?

Harnessing Electricity - A Journey of Transformation?

With both AI and AE, the fear stemmed from the unknown. People worried about the ramifications of wielding such powers, fearing that these technological leaps could disrupt traditional roles, render human labour obsolete, or even pose existential threats. The rapid pace of innovation and the limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms amplified these fears, much like it does in the realm of AI today.?

Through scientific inquiry, experimentation, and innovative engineering, humanity learned to control the power of electricity. Necessary safety measures were implemented, and our understanding of the underlying principles deepened. As a result, electricity became a tremendous force for progress, enhancing our lives in countless ways while minimising its potential dangers.?

Conclusion?

The historical parallel between the fear of AI today and the apprehension surrounding AE in the 18th century demonstrates that concerns about groundbreaking technologies are not new to humanity. Yet, it also highlights our capacity to overcome these fears through knowledge, understanding, and responsible usage. Just as electricity once transformed civilisation, the responsible development and application of AI have the potential to shape a brighter future. By learning from the lessons of the past, we can ensure that the power of technology is harnessed for the collective benefit of humanity, steering us toward a safer and more prosperous world.

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