Image: https://ift.tt/Wq03Bku
Transcendence Presents Questions About AI Ethics
by Kevin Faber
If you are interested in artificial intelligence and the ideas that surround it, the 2014 movie Transcendence may be right up your alley. It is packed with drama and action. Roger Ebert's movie-review website describes it as true science fiction, exploring the concepts of who we are and where we're going as we relate to AI.
The Plot of Transcendence
Johnny Depp stars as Dr. Will Caster, the leading artificial intelligence researcher. He works to create a sentient machine loaded with the collective knowledge of the human race and all its emotions. As you may expect, his project is highly controversial. The audience can compare his ideas somewhat to the practice of shadow IT, the use of information technology systems, devices, software and services without IT department approval. While some employees feel it increases productivity, it can also cause security and compliance risks.
While Dr. Caster has gained respect and admiration in some circles, a group of anti-technology activists called R.I.F.T. plot to stop him by any means necessary. As they try to take him down, they end up helping him bring his experiment to fruition on himself.
The activists get a radioactive bullet into Dr. Caster, causing him to die within weeks. His wife and fellow scientist, Evelyn, played by actress Rebecca Hall, decides to upload Dr. Caster's consciousness into his computer. Dr. Caster's best friend and scientist, Max Waters, played by actor Paul Bettany, disagrees with the grieving widow. He refuses to participate in the experiment, and Evelyn orders him out before carrying on with the upload.
R.I.F.T members kidnap Max and convince him to join their efforts. The government, also suspicious of Dr. Caster's powers, plot against him and plan to blame their efforts on R.I.F.T.
Dr. Caster's consciousness and Evelyn start a utopian desert community where they work on his groundbreaking concepts to benefit the world. His influence begins to scare his wife as he takes over people's minds. As his power grows, Evelyn believes the best plan is to destroy her husband and joins forces with Max, the government and R.I.F.T. — but Dr. Caster is onto them.
Reviews of Transcendence
Movie buffs praise the cinematography work in Transcendence. The setting is grounded in the present day, not the distant future. It is not technology-heavy, but plays up the human aspect of the story. Ironically, it was also recorded on 35-millimeter film. Director Wally Pfister said technology can overcomplicate things and he doesn't believe 35-millimeter film needs replacing.
While the cinematography was considered a success, critics have not been kind to Transcendence. Reviews in the United States and UK have been mixed, many of them negative. Many criticize the film's storytelling and logic. They point out areas they see as plot holes and a timid approach to realistic, looming questions. Others believe the star-studded cast, which also includes veteran actor Morgan Freeman, as talented actors who are stifled and unable to work at their full potential.
More technical criticism pointed to aspects that may defy the laws of physics. The viewer is left to decide if these ideas belongs in a science-fiction movie, or if the genre should stick to more realistic concepts.
Not all critics gave the movie a bad rap, though. Some say that it brings to light some very real questions that humans must ask as they develop artificial intelligence. They say AI researchers should be serious about the possibility that superhuman artificial intelligence could do more to endanger humans than benefit them.
Facing Tough Questions
Transcendence did not see much critical success overall. However, the subject matter is bold and relevant. Should humans try to develop a sentient computer that acts with knowledge and emotion? What would happen if this type of artificial intelligence goes out of control? What ethical considerations does AI involve? Transcendence asks the audience these tough questions and presents one possible answer. If nothing else, Transcendence is a cautionary tale of what can happen when superhuman power is left unchecked.
from Review Blog https://ift.tt/nl5ugNL
No comments:
Post a Comment