“Computers have not become intelligent per se, but they have provided capabilities that augment human intelligence.” As one of the pioneers in the field of machine-learning, Michael I. Jordan feels it’s inaccurate to call current machine-learning technology “artificial intelligence”. While what we call AI possesses pattern-recognition capabilities, they have no semblance of reasoning nor human-level intelligence. However, that’s not bad, he says; their large-scale pattern-recognition is immensely helpful to human decision making. Read full article here
Culture
The Priest in the Arena
The phrase “man in the arena” has been popularized in recent years, but a lesser known, more dangerous archetype is the “priest in the arena”. This figure is responsible for a process called theocratic capture, where an institution surrenders to a cult demanding unaccountable authority, fueled by claims to privileged knowledge. These cults often target powerful institutions and attempt to monopolize conversations with scaremongering tactics and hostile treatment of allies. It is important to identify and stop theocratic capture before it can gain control. Read full article here
Merv
May 29, 2023
