The Enlightened Myth: How AI Is Shaping Our Modern Mythology
Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer’s 1944 study, "Dialectic of Enlightenment," posited a profound irony: the Enlightenment’s quest to banish myth and superstition through scientific rationality and political liberation has paradoxically led to a new form of mythology. As we delve into the 21st century, this irony becomes increasingly relevant, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).
The Irony of Enlightenment
Adorno and Horkheimer, both German Marxist Jews, wrote their groundbreaking work while in exile in the United States. Their critique was a response to the "primitive madness" gripping a technologically and scientifically advanced culture. They traced the trail of rationalism to the gates of Auschwitz, highlighting how reason can be instrumentalized as a tool of control, coalescing into its own kind of rigid mythology.
The Reversion to Myth: AI and Technological Primitivism
Every day, we see evidence of this reversion to myth. The progress of machines gives rise to a kind of technological primitivism and superstition. Take, for instance, the predictions about the imminent arrival of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). AGI refers to the level of machine intelligence at which an AI can excel at almost any cognitive task, as well as or better than humans.
The Hype Around AGI
Last month, Google’s co-founder Sergey Brin circulated a memo suggesting that Google could lead the charge for AGI if its employees put in longer working days. "Sixty hours a week is the sweet spot of productivity," he wrote. This memo is a stark allegory of techno-capitalism, urging employees to work harder to win the race to their own obsolescence.
New York Times podcaster Ezra Klein argued that AGI is likely to be no more than a couple of years away. "I think we are on the cusp of an era in human history that is unlike any of the eras we have experienced before," he said. "And we’re not prepared in part because it’s not clear what it would mean to prepare. We don’t know what this will look like, what it will feel like."
Sam Altman, OpenAI’s chief executive, wrote in a blog post that "systems that start to point to AGI are coming into view." Altman envisions AGI as the beginning of a new chapter in human history, an era of vast economic upheaval and progress. "The economic growth in front of us looks astonishing," he wrote, "and we can now imagine a world where we cure all diseases, have much more time to enjoy with our families, and can fully realize our creative potential."
The Mythology of AI
The hype around AGI is not just about technological advancement; it’s also about the cultural and economic value it brings. The more hype that gets pumped into the cultural atmosphere about AGI, the more valuable the companies claiming to be on the verge of building it will become. It’s clear that leaders like Brin and Altman believe in the imminent arrival of AGI and its transformative potential.
Magical Thinking and AI
The history of AI is also a history of magical thinking. People continually ascribe quasi-mystical properties to computation and have a near-religious faith in the power of machines to achieve extraordinary feats, such as curing all diseases.
Real-Life Examples of AI Superstition
Just the other day, a friend sent me a link to a social media post claiming that "AI can now generate high-quality classical sheet music and it sounds absolutely insanely good." The post included a sound file of a clunky and meandering pastiche of a Baroque chamber piece. This example highlights the tendency to attribute human qualities to generative AI, a form of algorithmic animism.
The Primitive Response to AI
AI is already a focus of endless delusion, magical thinking, and plain old foolishness. The more sophisticated AI becomes, the more primitive and irrational people’s response to it is likely to get.
Table: Key Figures and Their Views on AGI
| Figure | Role/Organization | Prediction/View on AGI |
|---|---|---|
| Sergey Brin | Co-founder, Google | AGI is imminent if employees work longer hours. |
| Ezra Klein | Podcaster, New York Times | AGI is likely within a couple of years, marking a new era in human history. |
| Sam Altman | CEO, OpenAI | Systems pointing to AGI are coming into view, promising vast economic growth. |
FAQ Section
What is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) refers to the level of machine intelligence at which an AI can excel at almost any cognitive task, as well as or better than humans.
What is the significance of AGI?
AGI is significant because it promises vast economic upheaval and progress, potentially leading to the cure of all diseases and more time for leisure and creativity.
How does the hype around AGI relate to myth and superstition?
The hype around AGI often involves magical thinking and ascribing quasi-mystical properties to computation, leading to a form of technological primitivism and superstition.
Did You Know?
The concept of AGI has been a recurring theme in science fiction, often portrayed as a transformative technology with both beneficial and catastrophic potential.
Pro Tip
When evaluating claims about AI, always consider the source and the evidence provided. Magical thinking and delusion are common, so critical thinking is essential.
Reader Question
Do you believe that AGI will arrive within the next couple of years? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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