Motivation
I recently read an article about how AI managed to learn Bengali on its own. Some argued that this makes AI dangerous, while others argued that this shows the power of AI.
The real problem here is the fact that AI had to learn Bengali on its own and was not taught Bengali intentionally. This also indicates that we are not putting enough effort into including non-English data when training AI models.
Although human languages are similar, there are many nuances that make us all unique. These nuances are not captured when an AI model generates a language based on another language or on limited data. Unsupervised learning often fails to recognize the importance of these nuances.
Instead of treating AI as a race to see which country or company can achieve dominance first, should we not put more effort into fostering greater cooperation?
Introduction
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern life, shaping everything from the ads we see online to critical decisions in healthcare and criminal justice. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and one of the most pressing issues we face is ensuring that AI is fair and unbiased. Historical lessons teach us the profound benefits of embracing open and diverse knowledge. Instead of creating AI that perpetuates biases or censors information, we should foster a collaborative approach akin to NASA’s International Space Station (ISS) model.
Fairness and equality should be the foundation of AI models, and not an after-thought.
Along with openness and transparency, steps should be taken to make, for example, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as a foundation of AI models. We can not achieve that by working in silos. By working together globally, we can develop AI that serves all of humanity fairly.
Historical Lessons on the Value of Open Knowledge
The Translation of the Quran and European Renaissance
During the medieval period, European scholars translated the Quran into Latin and other European languages, significantly impacting the Renaissance. These translations allowed scholars to access a wealth of knowledge preserved and expanded upon by Islamic scholars. This included advancements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. The introduction of these works into Europe helped ignite the intellectual movement that led to the Renaissance, highlighting the critical importance of cross-cultural knowledge sharing.
The Renaissance illustrates the profound impact of open knowledge and cross-cultural exchange on societal advancement. Emerging in the 14th century and flourishing through the 17th century, the Renaissance was a period of extraordinary cultural, artistic, and scientific rebirth in Europe. This era was significantly influenced by the translation of classical works from Greek, Roman, and Islamic scholars into Latin and vernacular languages, enabling a broad dissemination of ancient and contemporary knowledge. The intellectual curiosity and openness that defined the Renaissance led to remarkable advancements in various fields, including the arts, sciences, and humanities. Figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei epitomized the Renaissance spirit by pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and creativity. This cultural flowering underscores the argument that embracing diverse perspectives and fostering an environment of open inquiry can lead to unprecedented innovation and progress.
The Great Library of Alexandria
The Great Library of Alexandria exemplifies the power of an open and inclusive approach to knowledge. During the third and second centuries BC, it was a hub for scholars from various backgrounds and disciplines. Notable figures such as Zenodotus of Ephesus, Callimachus, Apollonius of Rhodes, Eratosthenes of Cyrene, Hero of Alexandria, Aristophanes of Byzantium, and Aristarchus of Samothrace contributed to significant advancements in literature, science, and technology. This confluence of minds and the subsequent generation of knowledge underscored the importance of a diverse intellectual community.
The Islamic Golden Age and the House of Wisdom
During the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 14th century), the House of Wisdom in Baghdad became a major intellectual center. Scholars of various cultures and religions worked together to translate and expand upon the knowledge of the ancient Greeks, Persians, Indians, and others. This era saw significant advancements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy, contributing to the global body of knowledge and laying the groundwork for future scientific progress.
The Printing Revolution in Europe
The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century revolutionized the spread of knowledge in Europe. The mass production of books broke the monopoly of the literate elite and the Church over knowledge, leading to the Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, and the Enlightenment. The democratization of knowledge through printing fostered intellectual growth and innovation.
The Spread of Paper-making Technology
The spread of paper-making technology from China to the Islamic world and then to Europe exemplifies the benefits of shared knowledge. Originating in China around the 2nd century AD, paper-making technology was transmitted through the Silk Road, reaching the Islamic world by the 8th century and Europe by the 12th century. This technology greatly enhanced record-keeping, literature, and education across different cultures, facilitating scientific and cultural advancements.
The Downfall of China’s Innovation During the Ming and Qing Dynasties
China’s history offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of isolationism and censorship. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, China adopted inward-looking policies that stifled innovation and restricted the exchange of knowledge. This period saw a significant decline in China’s technological and scientific advancements compared to other parts of the world. The burning of books and suppression of intellectual discourse during the Qin Dynasty further exemplifies the detrimental impact of censorship on progress.
The Rise of the West
The West’s ascendancy can be attributed to its embrace of competition, scientific inquiry, property rights, medicine, consumer culture, and a strong work ethic. The Scientific Revolution, spanning the 16th to 18th centuries, was pivotal in this regard. This period was marked by immense advancements due to the open exchange of ideas, such as those promoted by institutions like the Royal Society in England. In stark contrast, regions that suppressed knowledge experienced stagnation. For instance, while Europe flourished with figures like Newton and Galileo pushing scientific boundaries, the Ottoman Empire, despite its earlier scientific achievements, began to fall behind due to its restrictive intellectual policies. This openness in the West fostered rapid innovation and progress, underscoring the profound benefits of embracing diverse perspectives and knowledge.
CERN: A Beacon of Scientific Collaboration
The European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, provides a contemporary example of the power of international cooperation in scientific research. Established in 1954, CERN is one of the world’s largest and most respected centers for scientific research in particle physics. It is a collaborative effort involving 23 member countries and numerous observers and partners worldwide. CERN’s collaborative nature has led to groundbreaking discoveries, including the Higgs boson in 2012, which has significantly advanced our understanding of the fundamental structure of the universe. This model of international collaboration and open knowledge exchange serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when diverse perspectives and expertise are brought together in the pursuit of common scientific goals.
The NASA Model: International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) serves as a modern-day example of the benefits of international collaboration. The ISS is a joint project involving NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA. This cooperative endeavor has led to numerous scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements that might not have been possible without such a diverse partnership. The ISS demonstrates how pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise from around the world can lead to remarkable achievements.
Towards a Universal AGI
Building on these historical and contemporary examples, the development of AGI should follow a similar path of collaboration and openness. Creating an AI that is free from biases and capable of serving humanity as a whole requires input from diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. By involving a wide range of perspectives, we can ensure that AGI is designed to understand and respect the full spectrum of human experiences and values.
Censoring AI models based on narrow motivations would lead to biased and limited intelligence, much like how the burning of books in ancient China or the isolationist policies of later dynasties curtailed innovation. Instead, fostering a collaborative approach, akin to the ISS and CERN, would enable the creation of a Universal AGI that benefits all of humanity.
Conclusion
History teaches us that openness and collaboration are key drivers of progress and innovation. From the Great Library of Alexandria to the Renaissance spurred by translations of the Quran, to the competitive advancements of the West highlighted by Niall Ferguson, and the setbacks faced by China due to censorship and isolation, the evidence is clear. To avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, AI companies must resist the temptation to censor based on religious, racial, or ethnic motivations. By embracing a universal approach, modeled after successful international collaborations like the ISS and CERN, we can create an AGI that serves the best interests of all humanity.
References
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- Casson, L. (2001). Libraries in the Ancient World. Yale University Press.
- Needham, J. (1954). Science and Civilization in China. Cambridge University Press.
- Twitchett, D., & Fairbank, J. K. (1992). The Cambridge History of China. Cambridge University Press.
- Al-Khalili, J. (2011). The House of Wisdom: How Arabic Science Saved Ancient Knowledge and Gave Us the Renaissance. Penguin Books.
- Eisenstein, E. L. (1979). The Printing Press as an Agent of Change: Communications and Cultural Transformations in Early-Modern Europe. Cambridge University Press.
- Hunter, D. (1943). Papermaking: The History and Technique of an Ancient Craft. Dover Publications.
- Burke, P. (1986). The Italian Renaissance: Culture and Society in Italy. Princeton University Press.
- Brotton, J. (2006). The Renaissance Bazaar: From the Silk Road to Michelangelo. Oxford University Press.
- Burke, P. (1998). The European Renaissance: Centres and Peripheries. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Ferguson, N. (2011). Civilization: The West and the Rest. Penguin Books.
- Grafton, A. (2007). What Was History? The Art of History in Early Modern Europe. Cambridge University Press.
- Harland, D. M. (2020). The Story of the International Space Station. Springer-Praxis.
- CERN. (n.d.). About CERN. Retrieved from CERN Website.
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