A reflection on artificial intelligence
The Catalan economist Xavier Sala i Martín has launched a new book entitled ‘Between paradise and apocalypse’ (Rosa dels Vents), in which he explores the implications of artificial intelligence (IA) in modern society. This work arises as a continuation of his previous work, ‘From the savanna to Mars. The economy of natural intelligence ‘, and addresses the possible directions that civilization can make in the face of technological advances.
The challenges and opportunities of the AI
Sala and Martín argues that AI could be a driver of prosperity, as its evolution will lead to a greater generation of ideas. However, he warns that this technology cannot replace human consciousness, emphasizing the importance of natural intelligence in knowledge creation.
Labor changes and the future of employment
During a press conference, Professor J. and M. Grossman, a specialist in economics at Columbia University, emphasized that historical technological changes have generated new employment opportunities. His fascination with the AI was born during his master’s degree, where he understood that the AI seeks to imitate human intelligence through the use of machines. This perspective is essential to understanding the two parts of the book: the first analyzes the history of computers and their creators, while the second focuses on the social and economic implications of the AI.
The AI: a limited eina
Sala i Martín emphasizes that artificial intelligence is currently merely an advanced system of text prediction. He assures that, despite his ability to generate content, he cannot understand or do not understand as a human being. ‘It is a statistical machine that replies what he has read, without any inherent truth,’ he says, warning of the risks of blind confidence in his statements.
The adoption of the AI in the business world
Currently, companies are not adopting the AI in a massive way, as productivity benefits are not evident. However, Sala and Martín anticipates that as technology progresses, we could witness a new revolution that will not only make ideas and intelligence more accessible, but also change global economic dynamics.
The dangers and repercussions of the AI
The book does not escape the dangers associated with the AI, especially in the educational field. Sala and Martín notes that the use of tools like Chatgpt for academic work must lead to a re -evaluation of learning methodologies. ‘The current work system may not be useful,’ he argues, causing a deep reflection on education.
Fostering critical thinking
Regarding the proliferation of false news, the economist believes that AI could paradoxically foster a greater critical spirit among the population. As people become more aware of the possibility of misinformation, the need to verify facts and doubt the information presented will be stimulated.
A future full of possibilities
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its influence on society will become more and more evident. Sala and Martín invites us to contemplate a future where intelligence and creativity become more accessible, opening the door to a world full of new ideas and innovations. However, it reminds us of the importance of maintaining a critical approach to this new technological age.