Reflections on AGI from 1879
Harry Law's article examines George Eliot's early insights on AI in "Impressions of Theophrastus Such," discussing automation, economic impacts, intelligence versus consciousness, and the relevance of her ideas today.
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In "Reflections on AGI from 1879," Harry Law explores the early insights of George Eliot regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its societal implications, as presented in her work "Impressions of Theophrastus Such." Eliot's fictional conversations between Theophrastus and Trost delve into themes of automation, the potential for machines to replace human labor, and the economic consequences of advanced technology. Trost expresses optimism about machines liberating humans from mundane tasks, while Theophrastus raises concerns about the obsolescence of humanity in the face of superior machines. The discussion touches on the concept of an intelligence explosion, where machines could evolve to surpass human capabilities, a notion later popularized by mathematicians like Irving John Good. Eliot also contemplates the nature of intelligence versus consciousness, suggesting that advanced beings could operate without human-like awareness. This early examination of AI's potential and challenges highlights Eliot's prescience and the enduring relevance of her ideas in contemporary discussions about technology and society.
- George Eliot's "Impressions of Theophrastus Such" offers early reflections on AI and its societal impact.
- The text discusses the potential for machines to replace human labor and the economic implications of such advancements.
- Eliot introduces the concept of an intelligence explosion, predating modern discussions on the topic.
- The distinction between intelligence and consciousness is explored, emphasizing that they are not synonymous.
- Eliot's insights remain relevant in today's debates about the future of AI and its effects on humanity.
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- Many commenters draw parallels between Eliot's work and earlier writings on AI, particularly Samuel Butler's "Erewhon," suggesting that Eliot's contributions may be overshadowed by Butler's more recognized influence.
- There is a focus on the implications of AI and automation, with references to contemporary technologies like LLMs and their potential to operate without consciousness.
- Some comments express skepticism about the future of AI, questioning the assumptions made about its capabilities and the economic implications of automation.
- Several users highlight the satirical nature of Eliot's writing, suggesting it critiques contemporary society's relationship with technology.
- Overall, the discussion reflects a blend of literary analysis and modern concerns about AI, consciousness, and societal impacts.
12 commentsIt's because it reads mostly as a retread of the far-better known Samuel Butler pieces like _Erewhon_ years before (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwin_among_the_Machines was 1863), and which Eliot likely read given her lifestyle & how closely she echoes him. Surprising to see no mention of Butler at all in OP, given what critical context it is - she was not writing in a vacuum.
Some earlier discussion: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/goANJNFBZrgE9PFNk/shadows-of...
> Theophrastus closes by asking whether human consciousness is a ‘stumbling’ on the way to ‘unconscious perfection’.
This reminds me of a line from the scifi novel Echopraxia where one of the characters explains that as AIs become more intelligent, they 'wake up' and become conscious like humans. But then as they continue to grow, they eventually go back to sleep - and those are the machines to be afraid of. '
It comes across as satire to me, which I did not expect after reading TFA.
From the classical references littered throughout the portions I've skimmed, it seems like a learned person is joking about contemporary men that aren't as well educated and unaware of it.
Quite reminiscent of some of the stuff Kierkegaard wrote.
If you want to know what life is like when society is run by alien intelligences, ask someone who lives under an economy dominated by megacorps.
What a terribly small imagination this presents. There is life outside of your cubicle. There always was.
> Each time a person engages in work that could be done more efficiently by a machine, the employing party—be that company, government or charity—will have to bear the opportunity cost of using AI.
Your LLMs run on GPUs and have no physical component. Those physical components aren't free, require maintenance, and break at inconvenient times. This is not a zero sum future or one that doesn't require intelligent economic planning.
> It’s like when a toddler ‘helps’ you wash the dishes.
It's cute you presume your "AGI" is going to /want/ to do anything for you. In particular, mundane chores, like washing your dishes, or that you as an individual would be able to afford it.
Anyways, it's an interesting past time around here, rather than admit the gulf between the current technologies and what AGI is imagined to be, we just troll through the past looking for anyone who even remotely made a "thinking machine" part of a fictional story.
Well, one part she got right, the machine presents itself as something of a useless chat bot.
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