Ultraintelligent Machines, Singularity, and Other Sci-fi Distractions about AI

Abstract

In this article, I argue that the development of AI in terms of successful agency without intelligence does not lead to any fanciful realisation of science fiction scenarios (Singularity), which are at best distracting and at worst irresponsible; and that any denial of AI as a revolution in how we create, control, and conceptualise agency is also wrong. The article concludes by highlighting how this calls for ethical foresight and design of the kind of infosphere and information societies we would like to develop.

Keywords: AI, Development of AI, Ethics of AI, Singularity, Winter of AI.