Ancient Philosophy vs Artificial Intelligence: A Survival Manual
In the wake of advancing technology, ancient philosophy is being utilized as a defense against the future implications of artificial intelligence. Mauro Crippa, director of information programs and communications at Mediaset, and Giuseppe Girgenti, a professor of History of Ancient Philosophy, have co-authored a ‘survival manual’ to safeguard us from the potential threats of artificial intelligence. Their book, ‘Human, not very human‘ (Piemme Editori), was presented at the Rizzoli bookshop in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Milan.
The Transformative Nature of AI
L’artificial intelligence is unique in its transformative capacity, altering our perception, cognition, and human relationships, says Crippa. The risk for journalism is severe, with the looming fear that we might not distinguish between human and AI news sources. The book warns of a greater danger – the possibility of human intelligence conforming to artificial intelligence, a phenomenon they term as “technical substitution”.
The Real Existential Threat
While the immediacy of this risk is uncertain, its reality is undeniable. Even Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, admits to losing sleep over the machine he created. This fear is justified due to the inherent risk, says Crippa, the director of information and communication programmes at Mediaset.
Philosophy as the Defense
The book, ‘Human, not very human’ proposes drawing from philosophy and ancient wisdom, from Socrates to Saint Augustine, as a defense mechanism. The classics offer the foundations of human identity, both individual and collective, explains Girgenti.
Exercising the Human Spirit
The book comprises nine spiritual exercises that foster self-awareness and self-protection, and the I-you relationship, in various contexts – school, healthcare, friendship, love, and the parent-child relationship. These are areas where artificial intelligence could possibly replace something invaluable, warns Girgenti, the History teacher of ancient philosophy. Surprisingly, the book’s success is greatest among the science and technology and IT sectors, indicating their interest in rediscovering classical philosophy.
