The Profound Advantages of Artificial Intelligence

In the current society, machines play a crucial role. People depend on machines in different fields of life to accomplish certain tasks. Various applications around us are run using AI. Essentially, AI is a branch of computer science that creates computer systems that exhibits human characteristics. Hence, the goal of AI is to make machines that can understand the world, understand conversations and make decisions like human beings (Martin, 2017). The potential benefits of AI in the society are immense in our daily lives. Even though some people are opposed to the fact of AI, it should be a major area of focus in the scientific community due to its immense possibilities. Over time, the evolution of computers has made them faster and increased their processing power compared to human brains. However, this does not make them smarter. Moreover, AI has gained popularity and is being used in different fields such as medicine, engineering, economics and military to perform routine jobs (Ferrucci, Levas, Bagchi, Gondek & Mueller, 2013). Additionally, the AI systems are built in computer software applications that are in various video games like chess and in homes.

Since antiquity, philosophers and mathematicians have been at the center of explaining the formal reasoning. The programming of digital electronics came resulted from logic, by using the computation theory that was developed by Alan Turing. Turing held that a machine is capable of simulating acts of mathematical deductions when properly programmed. Recent discoveries in other fields such as neurology, cybernetics and information theory have inspired other groups of researchers to consider whether building an electronic brain is a viable option (Bringsjord & Ferrucci, 2000). In 1956, the field of AI was officially founded. Over time, various laboratories were set all over the world with the intent of finding the ideal solution for AI. In subsequent years, the expert systems reviewed the commercial success of the AI systems. The best example of the expert system is system is the online doctor that people use commonly (Ferrucci et al., 2013). This development has been taking place over the years and the first independent machines began operation in the 20th century.

Artificial intelligence has a wide application across different fields. For instance, the most famous application of AI is in the development of robots which can now be used in different fields. The robots were developed over 100 years ago and they have undergone an enormous evolution. Hence, through the development of robots, AI with the help of computers has been able to solve problems, even though in limited realms (Martin, 2017). Robots are very instrumental in various fields, an interesting fact to humanity. Robots can be used in the military, outer space, exploration, entertainment and disaster areas. This becomes crucial because human beings cannot work under some of these conditions sometimes. Hence, the invention has helped create a remedy for solving certain tasks that affect human beings adversely (Holley, 2015). Even though AI has some demerits, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Despite the various benefits that come along with AI, some people oppose the concept. For instance, in the case of robots, they argue on the case of unintended consequences, which can include even death (Bringsjord & Ferrucci, 2000). Some people hold a contrary opinion, arguing that robots have been in use for quite some time, with minimum negative outcomes. However, in common practice, we cannot assume singularity (Holley, 2015). Usually, both factors of the case must be taken into consideration. AI is expensive, time-consuming and its risks are evident.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence

The technology of using machines to execute intelligence functions has many applications in today’s world. The technology has been used to advance many sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, transport, communication, security, and in war. In medicine, various equipment have been designed to help in the facilitation of medical procedures and processes such as surgery, screening, and body checkup. For instance, Ferrucci, Levas, Bagchi, Gondek, and Mueller (2013) discuss some of the uses of artificial intelligence in the medical world. The technology is used to give health professionals a way of diagnosing patients in an efficient and timely manner. Therefore, many sectors of the society have found a wide range of application for artificial intelligence. Besides medicine, artificial intelligence has been widely used in the arts, agriculture, and the entertainment industry. Particularly, Bringsjord and Ferrucci (2000) describe the application of artificial intelligence in literary creativity. In the article, artificial intelligence is used to develop Brutus, a character that can story tell. These applications have been used widely in the modern human sphere to varying levels of success and efficiency.

Benefits of Using Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence plays a significant role in the world today. Upon looking at the wide range of application, it is possible to deduce some of the benefits that come with the use of these machines. First, artificial intelligence enhances efficiency and throughput. With the intellectually modified machines, AI technology generates revenue, saves costs, and creates jobs. The other benefit of using artificial intelligence is that it frees up humans to undertake the activities, which they perform best. Since most production activities involve speed and prolonged work hours, machines can replace people to raise productivity while letting human beings to specialize in other physical activities. Moreover, AI enhances the lifestyle of the society. For instance, the technology creates more efficient businesses, which is good for managers, investors, and other stakeholders. The additional benefit of artificial intelligence is its ability to improve the demand side management. For instance, AI increases efficiency and leads to more production. Consequently, artificial intelligence absolves humans of any responsibility by undertaking most of the processes. Therefore, artificial intelligence contributes immensely to the developments in the world as it drives innovation, reduces overreliance on humans, reduces instances of human error, and promotes the use of science to better the lives of the people.

Challenges of Using Artificial Intelligence

Despite the benefits of artificial intelligence, the technology presents significant challenges to the society and the world at large. Some of the obstacles include moral issues, ethical issues, reliability, dangers, and other fears that arise from the use of the technology. Notably, the use of machines to execute intellectual activities leads to moral and ethical dilemmas. According to Martin (2017), deciding how the machines should make moral decisions is difficult. As a result, these machines pose a significant challenge to the industry as far as human ethics and morals are concerned. For instance, if artificial intelligence is used to address child-delivery for expectant mothers, it is difficult to determine the way a machine can handle the women to avoid cases of mistreatment, breach of privacy, and the leakage of personal and confidential information. As a result, it is essential to consider some of the issues that constitute morality and ethics while developing artificially intelligent machines.

References

Bringsjord, S., & Ferrucci, D. A. (2000). Artificial Intelligence and Literary Creativity: Inside the Mind of Brutus, A Storytelling Machine. Mahwah, N.J.: Psychology Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.devry.edu:5050/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=24364&site=ehost-live

Ferrucci, D., Levas, A., Bagchi, S., Gondek, D., & Mueller, E. T. (2013). Watson: Beyond Jeopardy! Artificial Intelligence, 199-200, 93-105. doi:10.1016/j.artint.2012.06.009

Holley, P. (2015, January 29). Bill Gates on the dangers of artificial intelligence: ‘I don’t understand why some people are not concerned.’ The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/01/28/bill-gates-on-dangers-of-artificial-intelligence-dont-understand-why-some-people-are-not-concerned/

Martin, D. (2017). Who Should Decide How Machines Make Morally Laden Decisions?. Science & Engineering Ethics, 23(4), 951-967. doi:10.1007/s11948-016-9833-7