Abstract
Although the future of society is hazy, a workable vision of the future can be developed from existing computer modeling of key parameters like population and sea level. This vision is referred to in this chapter as the driven future. The future of humans and artificial intelligence (AI) is then reconsidered from within the context of this driven future. Specific examples of how AIs might be utilized to address real human problems in this future are developed. The modifications to the way humans and AIs interact to facilitate addressing major problems is then discussed, including the human/machine symbiosis and the application of corporate persons directly to AIs.
TopThe Foreseeable Future
How much of the future can a manager envision to support practical planning?
Building a Model of the Future
It is often difficult for an organization to reach an internal agreement on its vision of the future. Positive trends are easily accepted, but a vision including major problems for society [global warming, etc.] can be very contentious. Failing to share a vision can cause major problems in the future for any organization, but the process of developing a consistent vision can be a positively disruptive process.
The best available approach to building the needed vision of the future is currently to exploit the most well advanced computer models. Specifically two well-advanced models are available to build a working vision of the Driven Future: (1) Demographic Transition and (2) Sea Level Rise.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Driven Future: A technical vision of the future of human society based on summarizing a number of computer models.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): An electronic device that can mimic many of the capabilities of a human.
Monte Carlo Methods: Using randomized methods to better to understand the limitations of a computer model.
Uncanny Valley: Studies show that the public will accept the presentation of an AI either as a robot or an interface avatar if its appearance is either clearly that of a non-human robot or a very good likeness of a human. Between these two peaks is a valley of almost humans that real humans will not interface with willingly.
Human/Machine Symbiosis: A foundation for the relationship between humans and their machines based on the biological concept of symbiosis. An alternative to the master/slave approach.
Corporate Person: The package of rights similar to those of a person that are recognized in court for a corporation.
Buy-In: The mental process by which humans hear of an idea, envision themselves succeeding with the idea, get into action, and stay in action.
Demographic Transition: These are major changes in the growth patterns of the human population that have enormous effects on society.
Ground Truth: Taking scientific measurements on the ground beneath the path of a satellite to calibrate the big data set.