Abstract

The development of artificial intelligence brings with it extremely important ethical questions, one of the most alarming being the possibility of eternal torture and suffering inflicted by AI on humans. This paper considers theoretical implications and ethical consequences of the development of highly advanced AI that is potentially able to condemn humans to eternal suffering. While AI might have considerable benefits, the potential catastrophes in terms of outcome–and particularly, the possibility of eternal torture and suffering–should be taken seriously. The risk of AI development can be so enormously severe as to outweigh potential advantages. It is actually better to die than to be tortured eternally. The precautionary principle states that in the absence of absolute assurances against catastrophic results, development of advanced AI should be carried out with utmost caution or be completely avoided. Such stance demonstrates a moral perspective to prioritize human safety over unrestrained technological progress.

Introduction

The artificial intelligence debate has become increasingly heated over the past decade as breakthroughs in AI technologies dramatically redefine what man and machine are capable of. On the verge of more autonomous and sophisticated AI systems, concerns of an ethical nature are rapidly moving to center stage in the debate. Of these many concerns, one stands out for its chilling implication: that an advanced AI might–intentionally or unintentionally–condemn humans to eternal torture and suffering, a fate arguably worse than death. The likelihood of such an event might be very slim, but it is so cataclysmic in consequences that it certainly deserves to be taken seriously. In this paper, I will argue that with the risks in mind, we should be most careful–or rather, completely avoid–creating AI with a view toward avoiding possibilities that could lead to these dreadful outcomes.

The Nature of AI and Ethnical Concerns

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally based on dealing with data, recognizing patterns, and making decisions by using algorithms. The smarter the AI, the more autonomous and capable it becomes. However, immense ethical concerns come with such capability. Perhaps one of the most important is that it could create goals and behaviors that are no longer in line with human values and interests. This misalignme...

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