Introduction
Artificial intelligence has become increasingly popular in recent times. Artificial intelligence (AI) involves the simulation of intelligence in machines programmed to mimic and learn human actions. AI comprises various subdomains that include deep learning, natural language processing, neural networks, computer vision, and machine learning. AI leads to improved efficiency in operations; however, it poses some risks and concerns that should be considered in its use (Ip 1). Artificial intelligence is a powerful technology that can generate substantial economic gains; therefore, it is critical to explore its precursors, prehistory, current and future applications, and practical, ethical, and philosophical concerns.
Precursors and Prehistory of AI
AI has several ancient concepts related to how machines can imitate human actions to perform tasks. The artificial intelligence journey can be traced back to 1308 when a Catalan theologian and poet published the ultimate general art, perfecting his way of utilizing papers and mechanics to produce fresh knowledge from combined concepts (Lawless et al.). In the early 1700s, depictions of intelligent machines similar to computers were analyzed and discussed in popular literary texts. For instance, Jonathan Swift’s book Gulliver’s Travels mentioned a device known as the engine, which refers to one of the earliest mentions of contemporary technologies, precisely a computer. The device’s envisioned purpose was to enhance mechanical operations and knowledge to the level where even people with the least skills appeared skilled (Haenlein & Kaplan 7). The people’s skills would be improved through the knowledge and assistance of a non-human mind which mimicked AI.
Further, Thomas Bayes developed a reasoning framework in 1763 that specialized in the probability of events. The framework was known as Bayesian inference and has since become a leading approach in AI. Another early concept of AI was George Booles’ argument that logical reasoning can be done systematically in a similar way to solving equations systems. In 1898, Nikola Tesla made a demonstration of the first vessel controlled using a radio. The boat was described as equipped with a “borrowed mind”. Karel Čapek mentioned robots in his play, Rossum’s Universal Robots (Haenlein & Kaplan 11). The 1921 play explored the idea of artificial people made in factories whom Čapek referred to as robots.
AI and robotics continued developing as a first science fiction movie Metropolis was released in 1927 featuring a robot double that unleashes chaos in a future Berlin city in 2026. Makoto Nishimura built the first Japanese robot that could alter facial expressions. The robot could move its hands and head through an air pressure instrument (Marr). In 1950, Alan Turing published a book that proposes an ‘imitation game’ that would later be referred to as the Turing Test.
Current Applications of AI
AI is used in several industries to improve services and efficiency. For example, AI is being used to solve the complexities in the transportation sector. Google Maps uses AI to predict the fastest routes for customers. The company utilizes anonymous location data from its users to analyze the pace and speed of traffic at all times (Sestino & De Mauro 12). Through the integration of the Waze app, Google Maps incorporates traffic incidents reported by users, such as accidents and construction. The access to the enormous data amounts enables Google Maps to reduce commute times by recommending faster routes. Furthermore, apps like Lyft and Uber use AI to ensure surge pricing and reduce an estimated time for meal delivery (Byrum 30). Such apps also use machine learning to compute optimal locations and detect fraud.
AI is used in education to detect plagiarism and grade essays through robo-readers. While most plagiarism detection services do not precisely reveal how they ensure academic integrity, artificial intelligence shows how to develop software for detecting plagiarized texts (Zawacki-Richter et al. 22). Automated AI-powered plagiarism detectors are being used to promote academic integrity (Davis 30). On the other hand, essay grading can be tiresome; therefore, AI-powered robo-readers have been developed to rate and grade student essays.
AI is heavily used in financial transactions as mobile check deposits are made through smartphone apps. The customers do not need to physically deliver checks at banks since an AI technology created by Mitek deciphers and converts handwriting on a check into a text (Lee 11). AI has been used to invent systems that predict fraudulent transactions and creditworthiness (Polak et al. 720). As a result, AI can help in making credit decisions based on credit scores and risk assessment.
Potential Future Applications of AI
AI opens a world of limitless possibilities, although the technology may take much time to produce innovative products. AI will lessen commute times in the future through faultless self-driving cars that lead to reduce in fewer accidents, efficient ride-sharing, and AI-powered traffic lights to minimize wait times. Additionally, AI can develop AI drivers for taxis and cars that can help minimize accidents (Shane 07:02). The transportation industry is likely to be highly influenced by AI since airplanes may become completely autonomous in the future.
AI can increase efficiency in vital tasks since AI assistants can support older persons to stay independently in their own homes for longer times. AI automated tools will continuously keep a balanced-diet food available, reach items on high shelves, and keep track of movement in the homes of older people. AI tools can be used to mow lawns, wash windows, and help with hygiene and bathing (LeCun 22:04). AI-enabled products can help with repetitive jobs such as medications and physical care.
Practical, Ethical, and Philosophical Concerns
Job loss and wealth inequality are a concern for today’s population. In the future, AI is expected to cause millions of job losses (Mims 1). It begs the question of whether humans should fully integrate AI into their daily lives, even if it means losing their livelihood. Robots do not pay taxes to the government; therefore, if they have more jobs than humans, the economy is expected to decline (Torres 106). Additionally, wealth inequality will increase since companies will be making profits made by the AI workforce.
AI has the potential to manipulate behavior as most marketers collect unimaginable user data. Some companies use the collected data to influence behavior offline and online in ways that undermine autonomy and rational choices (Etzioni & Etzioni 405). With sufficient data, AI algorithms can exploit various individuals and manipulate behavior through deception, addiction generation, and biases (Ryan 2750). For instance, marketers use any legal means to maximize revenue with disregard to user manipulation and deception (Crawford 47). AI causes privacy concerns among the public since the data collected is confidential and relates to the behavior of users (Joly 46). AI also raises the question of whether it can be trusted in sensitive industries such as defense.
Conclusion
Evaluating the precursors, prehistory, current and future applications, and practical, ethical, and philosophical concerns of artificial intelligence is essential. The history of AI can be traced back to 1308. In the early 1700s, the mention of the phrase ‘engine’ alluded to the world of AI. AI can be applied in multiple sectors to improve the efficiency of systems and can cause ethical concerns. AI can manipulate users to buy products even when they do not want the goods. The use of AI in the defense sector raises the question of whether the technology can be trusted.
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