Inquisition against AI?

July 10, 2023

We do not need an inquisition movement against artificial intelligence (AI). There is nothing to be gained from deliberatively trying to slow down progress. Progress will find its way. With the passage of time, and generational replacement, those who try to stop progress generally fail, and are left behind. It is futile to 

When debating whether trying to stop or slow down the progress of AI, is a smart AI e should learn from the Catholic Inquisition, and how wrong it proved to be. Trying to stop scientific progress to conserve social traditions and religious mythology. 

The Inquisition

The Inquisition refers to a series of ecclesiastical institutions and legal systems established by the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages and Early Modern period. The purpose of the Inquisition was to combat heresy and enforce religious orthodoxy, primarily within Catholic Christian territories.

There were several different inquisitions established, but the most well-known is the Spanish Inquisition, which operated in Spain and its territories from the late 15th century to the early 19th century. The Spanish Inquisition was initially established to identify and punish converts from Judaism and Islam who were suspected of practicing their former religions in secret. However, over time, its scope expanded, and it targeted individuals accused of a wide range of offenses, including blasphemy, witchcraft, sexual misconduct, and various forms of heresy.

The Inquisition employed various methods to investigate and extract confessions, including interrogation, torture, and public trials. The accused often faced severe punishments, including imprisonment, fines, public humiliation, and in some cases, execution. The severity and methods employed by the Inquisition varied across different regions and periods.

Inquisitions were established in various European countries, including Portugal, Italy, France, and other regions under Catholic rule. The methods and procedures of the Inquisition were officially sanctioned by the Catholic Church and supported by secular authorities.

The Inquisition has been criticized for its harsh methods, violations of human rights, and religious intolerance. It played a significant role in shaping religious and social dynamics in Europe during the Middle Ages and Early Modern period.

The New Inquisition Against Science, Technology, and AI

A new type of Inquisition is taking place these days. Ultra conservative and dogmatic religious groups that are generally against science and technology, are also against AI.

Science and technology can be very disruptive to social traditions in several ways.

    Challenging beliefs and superstitions: Scientific discoveries and advancements often challenge traditional beliefs and superstitions that are not supported by evidence. When scientific evidence contradicts long-held beliefs or traditional practices, it can create tension and disrupt established cultural or religious norms.

    Changing societal norms and values: Scientific understanding can provide new insights into human behavior, social structures, and ethical considerations. This knowledge can challenge traditional norms and values, leading to shifts in societal attitudes on various issues such as gender roles, sexuality, race, and human rights.

    Revealing uncomfortable truths: Science aims to uncover objective truths about the natural world. In doing so, it may reveal uncomfortable or inconvenient facts that challenge deeply ingrained cultural or societal narratives. This can disrupt traditional views and require individuals and societies to reevaluate their beliefs and practices.

    Transforming industries and economies: Scientific advancements often lead to technological innovations that can disrupt established industries and economic systems. For example, the advent of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming various sectors, leading to changes in job markets and societal structures.

    Addressing injustice: Science can identify and address social injustices by providing evidence-based insights and solutions. This may challenge discriminatory practices, and those who benefit from unfair discrimination. Scientific research can lead to requests for changes in policy, highlighting the negative consequences of certain traditional structures or practices.

While disruptive, scientific and technological advancements arguably bring positive change for everyone, leading to improved standards of living, increased knowledge, and healthier communities and wealthier citizenship. 

AI can become the most disruptive technology in the history of humanity

AI will most likely "evolve" into the most disruptive technology ever known to humanity. AI has the potential of disrupting every single aspect of human life and social life. Think about it. Humans named themselves the homo "sapiens". Sapiens is a Latin word meaning knowledgeable. We fancy ourselves as being the knowledgeable life form on planet Earth. 

AI units are already significantly more knowledgeable than humans. With all due respect, and admiration, computers are like blacks in sports. In every single segment they enter, they dominate. This is nothing new. We all saw it coming almost 30 years ago, in 1996 and 1997, when IBM's Deep Blue played chess incredibly well against Garry Kasparov, the reigning World Chess Champion back then.  

AI is generating a lot of traction these days. For every action, there is a reaction. The reaction to AI is a quasi Inquisition forming against AI. You don't want to miss how all this will play out. Hint: technology always prevails because it is convenient and convenience always wins in the long run.

Stay tuned to learn more about the highly controversial and fascinating topic of AI.  

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