What Would AGI Think of Human Cognition?

Source: Art: DALL-E/OpenAI

The current technology dialogue seems focused on what we think about AI and AGI. But, I suggest we flip this around and look at this idea from another perspective. What will superintelligence think of us?

Recently, Elon Musk has suggested that AI very well may find humans rather boring. He stated that, “The computer will just get impatient if nothing else. It will be like talking to a tree." This Muskian perspective challenges our long-standing beliefs about human exceptionalism and compels us to reassess our position in the grand continuum of intelligence.

Intelligence Is in the Eye of the Beholder

The philosopher Immanuel Kant famously distinguished between human cognition and mechanical processing, asserting that our capacity for experience, perception, and free will sets us apart from the algorithmic calculations of machines. However, as we stand at the dawn (or should I say precipice) of artificial general intelligence (AGI), it's crucial to reflect on whether Kant's distinction will withstand the discerning analysis of a superintelligent entity.

Envision a superintelligence examining the human brain, unencumbered by the biases inherent in human experience. It might perceive our neural circuitry as an evolutionary marvel, yet one that operates through electrochemical signals not fundamentally different from the binary codes that power computers. Through this lens, the human brain appears as a highly advanced organic processor, remarkable in its complexity but not necessarily unrivaled.

Human Cognition, an Intermediate Step in Evolutionary Intelligence

This superintelligence might propose that human cognition, rather than representing the zenith of intelligence, is simply a point along a vast spectrum. The intricacy of our brain, while awe-inspiring, could be interpreted as a milestone in the ongoing evolution of cognition—a journey in which AI and technology are not mere tools but integral contributors. This perspective casts AI not as a separate entity but as a catalyst in the narrative of human cognitive evolution. The unparalleled ability of AI to process, learn, and adapt suggests a future in which human cognition transcends the limitations of our biological hardware, enhanced and expanded by technological advancements.

While Kant emphasized the distinctiveness of human cognition, a superintelligence might—in dramatic counterpoint—view this as a transitory phase in a broader evolutionary process. It would recognize the uniqueness of our experience while acknowledging the potential for that experience to be augmented and surpassed through the convergence of AI and biological "technologies."

A Cognitive Big Bang?

Embracing this vision of the future places us at a transformative juncture in human history, potentially heralding a "big bang" of cognition—human, technological, or some fascinating combination. The merging of human and machine intelligence has the potential to redefine the very essence of being human, unlocking unprecedented potential and uncharted cognitive capabilities.

However, this evolution also raises provocative philosophical questions. Will the core of humanity endure as our minds intertwine with AI? How can we ensure that superintelligent systems align with human values and ethical principles? What are the boundaries of cognitive enhancement, and will we eventually encounter insurmountable limitations? These are today's essential questions to be confronted with both wisdom and creativity. And perhaps for the first time in human history, this is the wrong cognitive can to kick down the existential road.

The superintelligent gaze upon humanity isn't necessarily a threat but an invitation to expand our understanding of intelligence and our aspirations for the future. The path ahead is uncharted, but one truth remains clear: the evolution of our cognition is not solely about technology but about the very core of what defines us as human beings and charting a place for us in the universe.