Superintelligence - Criticisms

Criticisms

Philosophical, cultural, and ethical implications of superintelligence are fervidly discussed inside and outside of the transhumanist movement. There are several forms of critique on the aim to build a superintelligence.

Skeptics doubt that superintelligence is possible and believe that the processes inside a brain are too complex to fully understand and simulate in a technological device. The merger of human synapses with electronic devices is considered problematic, since the first is a slow, but living organism and the second a fast, but rigid system. Advocates of transhumanism say that the function of a brain is not so complex that it could never be understood. Furthermore, artificial intelligence is not limited to simulating organic brains.

Other critics call it hubris to enhance humans. In particular, genetic enhancements may be outlawed as a form of eugenics. There is also fear that superintelligent beings will not benefit mankind, but lead to its demise. Even as advocates say that a superintelligence is by definition of a better nature than ordinary humans, there are no guarantees that a malevolent intelligence cannot be a product of trying to create a superintelligence.

Another argument against enhancement is resentment towards being dependent on cybernetic implants, enhancing drugs, etc. Transhumanists argue that an enhanced avant-garde will leave behind those who refuse to upgrade. Critics argue that in conclusion the rich elite will purchase brains with higher capacity to suppress the lower social tiers. Such a process is (in a non-technology-related sense) already visible today in society: Higher social tiers achieve higher degrees of education since they can more easily afford it.