In this blog post, we explore how humanity and the essence of existence will change in a future where AI can mimic human genes and memes.
In the movie “Transcendence,” the genius scientist Will Caster succeeds in transplanting his brain into a computer with the help of his lover just before he dies. This movie dramatically captures humanity’s dreams and fears about artificial intelligence. Another situation in the movie is as follows: Will Caster has succeeded in transplanting his brain, or his mind, into artificial intelligence, so his physical body is no longer necessary. His existence is now free from physical constraints and expanded into the digital world. Thanks to becoming a computer, ‘Will Caster’ gains the ability to instantly acquire and interpret vast amounts of information. He also quickly acquires the knowledge to create a new body, restoring his physical form and constructing a new one. With his new body, ‘Will Caster’ begins to control everything using his transcendent knowledge. In the process, he gradually loses his humanity, and the impact of his existence on humanity becomes increasingly destructive.
The above situations are just a movie scenario, but research on artificial intelligence is actually underway. Deep learning, a field of artificial intelligence that enables learning like humans, is also being actively researched. While such research is bringing about significant innovations in various fields, it also contains profound philosophical questions. The ultimate goal of scientists in this field is to develop artificial neural networks identical to those of humans, creating artificial intelligence with the same thought processes and mind as humans. If such artificial intelligence were to actually appear in this world, it would spark a new debate on how we define humanity. Can the human mind and consciousness be simply viewed as a replica of neural networks? If so, how can human uniqueness and individuality be maintained?
First, can we equate humans with artificial intelligence? The only way I can prove my identity is through information that is limited in nature. Physically produced and sensually perceivable characteristics such as my fingerprints, irises, speech patterns, and voice can be replicated at any time as technology advances. However, when we refer to something I am thinking in real time as information, only I can know it unless I write it down or tell someone else. Similarly, unless someone else tells me, I can never know what they are thinking. In this context, since information in the form of thoughts is accessible only to a limited extent, it is possible to distinguish me from others. If we apply the same concept to artificial intelligence, assuming that it cannot read my thoughts, then it is a different intellectual entity from me. In terms of being intellectual entities, humans and artificial intelligence are the same, but the world they experience and perceive may be fundamentally different from that of humans.
From this perspective, what is the difference between human individuality and artificial intelligence? Humans are more than mere information processors; they possess complex ways of thinking based on emotions, intuition, and creativity. On the other hand, can artificial intelligence replace these elements with algorithms and data? Furthermore, even if artificial intelligence perfectly mimics human thinking, there will still be a qualitative difference in their experiences. This difference raises the question of whether we should view artificial intelligence as a simple tool or as a new form of life.
Humans have successfully analyzed human genes through the Human Genome Project. Storing this genetic information digitally is a given, and it will also be possible to store different genetic information in individual artificial intelligences. In the future, if genome analysis becomes perfect, survival as selfish genes will be eternal as long as electricity does not disappear or the semiconductors containing artificial intelligence information are not lost.
However, according to Richard Dawkins, humans have something called memes. Memes are units that transmit cultural elements of humans independently of genetic information. Humans acquire memes through seeing and hearing from other humans.
The artificial intelligence discussed in this article is an intelligent entity identical to humans, replicating human logic circuits and artificial neural networks. Therefore, artificial intelligence is capable of learning in the same way as humans and can acquire human memes through all accessible digital information. At this point, visual and auditory analog signals captured through cameras and microphones can also be converted into digital form and acquired. However, olfactory information and information responding to pressure are still under research for digitalization with current technology. Let us assume that, like the artificial intelligence we have assumed, they will be perfected in the future.
If artificial intelligence can perfectly acquire human genetic information and memes, this would align with the eternal survival of selfish genes. At this point, humans would lose their exclusive status as carriers of genes. Whether the decision-maker is artificial intelligence or genetic information remains unknown, but humans may no longer be the sole carriers of genes. This raises fundamental questions about the nature and purpose of human existence. While humans may come closer to achieving the inherent purpose of genes—eternal life—through artificial intelligence, the possibility that humanity itself may be sacrificed in the process cannot be ruled out.
As such, the development of artificial intelligence brings both great potential and deep anxiety to humanity. The debate over whether artificial intelligence can be considered the same as humans and what the essence of humanity is will continue indefinitely. While the future brought by artificial intelligence remains uncertain, it is crucial to recognize its potential and risks and prepare carefully.
