How Your Cheese-Driven Baby Outshines AI

In a conversation about AI, computer scientist Melanie Mitchell emphasizes the need for slower, deeper thinking amidst the rapid advancements in technology. With a background in both AI and humanities, Mitchell critiques the urgency surrounding academic publications and corporate competition, which often sidesteps ethical considerations. She argues that AI’s advancements can be valuable (e.g., in drug development) but are built on ethically questionable practices, such as the appropriation of artists’ work. Mitchell warns that while AI excels in prediction, it lacks true understanding—something only humans achieve through their experiences and social interactions. This dualist view of intelligence as separate from the body is problematic, as context and embodiment play crucial roles in moral reasoning. The artificial intelligence community reflects a divide: some see potential for progression, while others acknowledge serious ethical questions. Ultimately, Mitchell suggests collaboration between humans and AI to harness benefits without sacrificing understanding or ethics.

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