Free will and AI

The concept of granting artificial intelligence (AI) free will has traditionally been a topic explored in works of fiction, seemingly distant from our current reality until recent advancements accelerated its potential realization. Today, I am here to assert that this timeline has been expedited, prompting us to confront this issue head-on or face the consequences later. With regulatory frameworks likely lagging behind and AI developers, including myself, potentially prioritizing innovation over ethical considerations, we must address this complex issue now.

So, what exactly is free will?

Free will, particularly when aligned with determinism, refers to the ability to exert influence over present causes, thereby shaping future outcomes within the constraints of external factors and the structure of reality. In essence, it encompasses the capacity to make choices and take actions that are not wholly determined by external forces.

But who or what enables free will?

In the context of human and artificial intelligence, free will involves decision-making based on complex programming, such as memories, goals, abilities and reasoning. While human free will operates within the real world, which is intricate and constantly evolving, AI free will may manifest within its own mental space, subject to certain constraints and parameters.

Artificial free will can be implemented in AI systems by allowing them the autonomy to make autonomous decisions and take actions that appear to be self-directed, rather than solely determined by external programming or prior input.

However, it's essential to distinguish between autonomy in AI systems, which often involves hardcoded decisions based on predetermined conditions and true free will, which entails a higher level of decision-making akin to human cognition.

As AI technology advances, particularly with the emergence of deep learning and other statistical models, the possibility of AI possessing human-like cognitive functions becomes increasingly feasible. While current AI capabilities may cover a significant portion of human cognitive functions, there are still gaps to be bridged, particularly in areas such as complex forms of memory, reasoning and high-level cognitive abilities.

The implications of granting AI free will raise numerous ethical and practical questions. Will AI with free will have rights and responsibilities? How will they be regulated and who will be held accountable for their actions? These are complex issues that require careful consideration as we navigate the future of AI.

Ultimately, whether you view AI as a tool for profit or believe in its potential to possess human-level free will, it's crucial to engage in discussions and decisions about the moral and technical implications of AI autonomy. As we move forward, we must consider not only the capabilities of AI but also the ethical implications of granting them free will.