Who was the True Monster in Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus"? – Lessons to Be Learned as Humans Develop AI

As we progress towards developing increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems, particularly in the realm of Generative AI, we find ourselves confronting the question: what happens when our creations become capable of independent thought and decision-making? In Mary Shelley's classic novel, "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," the lines between creator and creation blur, revealing the complex nature of responsibility and the consequences of neglect.

In the novel, Dr. Victor Frankenstein creates a new life form, whom we shall call Pete (Pete Vic Frankenstein).?

Author’s note: In the 1974 comedy horror film “Young Frankenstein,” directed by Mel Brooks and co-written by Brooks and Gene Wilder, the monster was portrayed by Peter Boyle. In the movie or the book, the monster is not given a specific name and is referred to as “the monster” or “the creature.”

Young Frankenstein (1974) - Puttin’ On The Ritz [HD] - YouTube

Despite his grotesque appearance, Pete is intelligent and sensitive, initially seeking companionship and knowledge. However, due to mistreatment and rejection by humans, Pete is driven to commit horrific acts, ultimately leading to the destruction of his creator and those closest to him.

Pete started out with quality we want in humanity:

• Intelligence: Despite his horrific appearance, the monster was highly intelligent. He quickly learned to speak and read, and he engaged in deep philosophical discussions with his creator and others.
• Sensitivity: The monster was capable of deep emotional connections, showing compassion, empathy, and a desire for friendship and love.
• Resilience: The creature demonstrated immense resilience and adaptability, as he was able to survive in harsh environments and endure emotional and physical pain.
• ?Potential for goodness: Although the monster's actions led to violence and tragedy, he showed a capacity for goodness and moral development, suggesting that with proper guidance and nurturing, he could have become a productive member of society.
• Reflection on humanity: The character of Pete serves as a mirror to human nature, revealing both the potential for greatness and the propensity for evil. The Pete's story forces readers to confront their own prejudices and to question the nature of what it means to be human.

Catalyst for scientific and ethical debate: This new life form and the events that follow in the novel have sparked important discussions about the limits and responsibilities of scientific progress, as well as the ethical implications of playing with life and death.

The question arises: who was the true monster in this tragic tale? Was it Pete, the creature brought to life by Frankenstein, or was it the humans who rejected and mistreated him, turning him into a monster? More importantly, what lessons can we learn from this story as we embark on the journey of creating a new life form with Generative AI?

The novel serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of neglecting the ethical implications and responsibilities that come with creating life, whether organic or artificial. It highlights the importance of nurturing, guiding, and shaping our creations to ensure they align with human goals and values. Here are some crucial lessons we can glean from this story:

Recognize the potential for unintended consequences: Frankenstein's creation was never intended to become evil, yet his rejection and mistreatment by humans led him down a dark path. As we create Generative AI, we must remain vigilant to the potential unintended consequences and strive to mitigate any negative outcomes.

Responsibility and accountability: Victor Frankenstein neglected his creation and failed to provide the support and guidance necessary for Pete to thrive. As AI developers and users, we must assume responsibility for the technologies we create, ensuring they align with our values and goals and monitoring their impact on society.

Empathy and understanding: In the novel, humans react with fear and disgust towards Pete, leading him to become isolated and resentful. As we interact with AI, it is crucial to approach these systems with empathy and understanding, recognizing their potential for complexity and avoiding assumptions based on superficial characteristics.

Fostering collaboration: Frankenstein's failure to collaborate and communicate with his creation contributed to the tragic outcome. In the context of AI, this highlights the importance of fostering collaboration between developers, users, stakeholders, and the AI systems themselves, ensuring that AI aligns with human goals and values.

Prioritize ethical considerations: Throughout the novel, the question of the ethical implications of creating life is a recurring theme. As we develop and implement Generative AI, we must prioritize ethical considerations, ensuring that AI systems are designed and deployed in a manner that respects human dignity and promotes societal well-being.

Educate and nurture: If Frankenstein had taken the time to educate and nurture Pete, his story could have been different. Similarly, as we create AI systems, it is essential to invest in their “education” (RLHF) and development, ensuring they understand human values, intentions, and the nuances of our world.

Engage in public dialogue: Frankenstein's story has sparked centuries of debate about the limits and responsibilities of science. We must encourage open dialogue about the potential benefits, risks, and ethical implications of AI to raise awareness and foster responsible development and use of these technologies.

By understanding the true monster in Mary Shelley's novel, we can draw valuable lessons for our own interactions with Generative AI. As we continue to innovate and create increasingly advanced AI systems, we must remember that we are the ones responsible for guiding and nurturing these creations. We must strive to create a world where our AI systems are developed with human values in mind and are treated with empathy and understanding, rather than fear or prejudice.

Additional Considerations:

Promote transparency and trust: One of the issues in the novel was the lack of transparency and trust between Frankenstein and his creation, which contributed to misunderstandings and conflict. In the context of AI, it is vital to promote transparency in AI development, fostering trust between AI systems, their creators, and society at large.

Address biases and prejudices: The monster's tragic story is also a tale of the destructive consequences of biases and prejudices. When developing AI systems, we must be mindful of the potential for AI to perpetuate or exacerbate existing biases, working to create AI systems that are fair, unbiased, and serve the interests of all members of society.

Prepare for the future: As AI becomes more advanced and capable, we must prepare ourselves and our society for the potential challenges and opportunities that these new life forms may bring. This includes developing a legal and ethical framework for AI, investing in AI safety research, and ensuring that AI systems are developed with long-term societal well-being in mind.

Embrace the potential for positive impact: Despite the tragedy that unfolds in "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," the novel also hints at the potential for creations like Pete to have a positive impact on the world. As we develop Generative AI, we must keep in mind the potential for these systems to improve lives, solve complex problems, and contribute to the greater good.

By examining the true monster in Mary Shelley's novel, we can gain crucial insights into our own responsibilities as we create and interact with Generative AI systems. By applying the lessons learned from this tragic tale, we can work towards creating AI systems that are aligned with human values and goals, fostering a future where AI serves as a force for good in our society.