Episode
Pamela McCorduck: Machines Who Think and the Early Days of AI
1:00:17
Published: Fri Aug 23 2019
Description
Pamela McCorduck is an author who has written on the history and philosophical significance of artificial intelligence, the future of engineering, and the role of women and technology. Her books include Machines Who Think in 1979, The Fifth Generation in 1983 with Ed Feigenbaum who is considered to be the father of expert systems, the Edge of Chaos, The Futures of Women, and more. Through her literary work, she has spent a lot of time with the seminal figures of artificial intelligence, includes the founding fathers of AI from the 1956 Dartmouth summer workshop where the field was launched. This conversation is part of the Artificial Intelligence podcast. If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/ai or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it 5 stars on iTunes or support it on Patreon.
Chapters
Pamela McCorduck, author and expert in artificial intelligence, discusses how society's fascination with AI has spanned centuries and is represented in popular works of science fiction.
00:00 - 05:26 (05:26)
Summary
Pamela McCorduck, author and expert in artificial intelligence, discusses how society's fascination with AI has spanned centuries and is represented in popular works of science fiction.
EpisodePamela McCorduck: Machines Who Think and the Early Days of AI
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Biologists are increasingly discussing the concept of intelligence beyond human brains, including the intelligence of individual cells, and are finding that these elements can be replicated to an extent in computer simulations.
05:26 - 11:09 (05:42)
Summary
Biologists are increasingly discussing the concept of intelligence beyond human brains, including the intelligence of individual cells, and are finding that these elements can be replicated to an extent in computer simulations. Funding institutions are largely focused on simulating human intelligence rather than exploring other types of intelligence.
EpisodePamela McCorduck: Machines Who Think and the Early Days of AI
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses biases and discrimination in AI algorithms, and the common misconception of machines replacing humans once they can think for themselves.
11:09 - 21:05 (09:56)
Summary
The speaker discusses biases and discrimination in AI algorithms, and the common misconception of machines replacing humans once they can think for themselves.
EpisodePamela McCorduck: Machines Who Think and the Early Days of AI
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, the speaker talks about his conversation with AI researchers and how his own way of thinking about AI has changed.
21:05 - 28:44 (07:38)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the speaker talks about his conversation with AI researchers and how his own way of thinking about AI has changed. Additionally, he explores the potential darker side of human nature that may come out when creating machines that are more intelligent.
EpisodePamela McCorduck: Machines Who Think and the Early Days of AI
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The possibility of funding may not always determine the continuity of AI research, as scientists working in the discipline pursue it out of passion and dedication in mastering the field.
28:44 - 35:47 (07:02)
Summary
The possibility of funding may not always determine the continuity of AI research, as scientists working in the discipline pursue it out of passion and dedication in mastering the field.
EpisodePamela McCorduck: Machines Who Think and the Early Days of AI
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The risks with over-promising in AI are greater than ever, as it could lead to a slowdown in funding and have a negative effect on future talent joining the industry due to disillusionment.
35:47 - 42:23 (06:36)
Summary
The risks with over-promising in AI are greater than ever, as it could lead to a slowdown in funding and have a negative effect on future talent joining the industry due to disillusionment. Using algorithms in decision-making processes can also perpetuate human mistakes and biases within the technology.
EpisodePamela McCorduck: Machines Who Think and the Early Days of AI
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of the singularity, the point at which machines become smarter than humans, is not something that will happen suddenly or at a specific moment, according to this podcast.
42:23 - 48:13 (05:50)
Summary
The concept of the singularity, the point at which machines become smarter than humans, is not something that will happen suddenly or at a specific moment, according to this podcast. While many people are excited about advancing technology, it remains to be seen whether machines will ever truly surpass human intelligence.
EpisodePamela McCorduck: Machines Who Think and the Early Days of AI
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The rise of social media has increased loneliness levels, particularly in younger generations.
48:13 - 52:20 (04:07)
Summary
The rise of social media has increased loneliness levels, particularly in younger generations. AI can help alleviate that loneliness and provide companionship for those who may not have other forms of connection.
EpisodePamela McCorduck: Machines Who Think and the Early Days of AI
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the relevance of the book "The Future of Women" in today's society and describes how the history of women in science and tech has evolved over the decades.
52:20 - 58:20 (05:59)
Summary
The speaker discusses the relevance of the book "The Future of Women" in today's society and describes how the history of women in science and tech has evolved over the decades.
EpisodePamela McCorduck: Machines Who Think and the Early Days of AI
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Pamela McCorduck speaks with Lex Fridman about her subconscious motivation to see AI succeed as a proof of intelligence not being exclusive to males, her experience in the AI field, and her perspective on the future of the technology.
58:20 - 1:00:02 (01:42)
Summary
Pamela McCorduck speaks with Lex Fridman about her subconscious motivation to see AI succeed as a proof of intelligence not being exclusive to males, her experience in the AI field, and her perspective on the future of the technology.