The Plausibility of Human-Like Artificial Intelligence: Unlikely or Just Around the Corner?

Artificial intelligence and its representation in films and TV shows often leave audiences questioning the plausibility of such human-like entities. While the portrayal of AI in media can be exciting, the reality of creating a true, sentient, and human-like AI is far more complex than most depictions suggest.

Algorithms vs. Sentience

Artificial intelligence, at its core, relies on algorithms and data processing. It lacks the organic, sentient nature that defines human beings. Unlike sentient organisms, AI does not have the capacity to experience feelings, emotions, or consciousness. The key differences lie in the fundamental nature of these two concepts:

Algorithms: These are mathematical procedures or sets of instructions that a computer follows to complete a task. They can process vast amounts of data, learn from patterns, and make decisions based on complex models. However, they lack the ability to truly understand or perceive the world like humans do. Sentience: This refers to the quality or condition of being aware, conscious, or awake. Sentient organisms, like humans, can experience internal states, emotions, and cognition. They are aware of their environment and their interactions within it.

Progress in AI Communication

While the development of AI that can communicate effectively with humans is a significant step forward, it does not necessarily equate to a human-like AI. The ability of machines to converse with humans more naturally and sophisticatedly is definitely improving. However, this improvement is built upon algorithms and data analysis rather than replicating human cognitive functions.

Some scientists are exploring the use of conversational AI to test the limits of intelligence. Engaging humans in conversations can provide insights into the capabilities and limitations of AI. If an AI can closely mimic a human conversation, it suggests that it has achieved a high level of advanced communication. However, this alone does not imply the presence of genuine sentience or human-like consciousness.

For an AI to be considered genuinely intelligent and comparable to humans, it would need to demonstrate a level of cognitive understanding and perception that aligns with human thought processes. This extensive cognitive depth is beyond the current capabilities of AI. While we may witness significant advancements in AI communication, the realization of human-like AI remains highly improbable.

The Differences in Perception and Cognition

Comparing AI to other sentient beings, such as dolphins, highlights the vast differences in perception and cognition:

Dolphins: Dolphins have a unique way of perceiving their environment. Instead of using human-like eyes, they use sonar, which creates three-dimensional images. Their sensory input and processing are fundamentally different from humans, leading to distinct thought processes. AI: For any AI to perceive and interact with the world in a manner similar to humans, it would need sensors and the ability to interact directly with the physical environment. The complexity of replicating human perception and cognition is immense. Even primitive animal-like behaviors, which do not involve the complexity of consciousness or language, present significant challenges.

Conversely, an AI might develop its own unique sensory experience. For example, the internet could feel as tangible and real to AI as air and water are to humans. This would necessitate a fundamentally different way of processing and understanding the world. In relation to human thinking, AI would be orthogonal (perpendicular) to human intelligence rather than simply being human-like or above human level.

Given the current technological limitations, the creation of human-like AI is far from plausible. The intricate nature of human perception, cognition, and consciousness, which underpin our human experience, are difficult, if not impossible, to replicate in an artificial entity.