Ethical Limitations on the Natural Sciences

AI. To Use or not to Use? 

RLS Article at: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-42810678

The world is currently enveloped in a confused battle: whether or not to use Artificial Intelligence for the good of humanity, with those who think it’s beneficial even grappling among themselves for who will lead the world into the new era. Indeed, with high profile thinkers like Prof. Stephen Hawking (known for being one of the greatest minds of the modern world) openly opposing the implementation of AI, the world cannot help but be slightly perplexed about whether or not this revolutionary, and potentially dangerous technology should be adapted. Without question, the world is standing at a deadlock, one which will likely soon be broken by those in favour. 
Artificial Intelligence has great potential for the future of the human race, one that seems to be to good to ignore. For instance, the implementation of these programs and “robots” would revolutionize human way of life. There would be robots to do every menial job that manpower is wasted on everyday. Not only would these not require any wages at all, they would also be far more efficient than any human could ever be. They require no rest at all, and can work nonstop, even carrying out maintenance for themselves. Furthermore, Artificial Intelligence even has potential to do work that humans are incapable of carrying out. Case in point, China has wholeheartedly adopted AI and installed several of these robotic “seers” within the country’s street cameras. Each day, they are learning more and more about humans, both as a species and down to specific people. Not only can they distinguish and pull up an ID for individuals based on facial features, they can also recognize people based on their height, weight and even the way they walk or make hand gestures. Such systems would reduce crime frequencies by large amounts as criminals can be apprehended with little to no effort, all of which is undertaken by Artificial Intelligence. 

On the other side of the coin, scientists should not pursue the implementation of Artificial Intelligence because of several short term factors, foremost among which there will be a new shortage of jobs for people. Many great thinkers such as Stephen Hawking agree with this and feel the world will deteriorate as war and famine will be caused as a result of numerous unemployed people. Furthermore, Artificial Intelligence naturally contains Intelligence. Therefore, they are capable of making decisions on their own, regardless of the consequences. With their powers, humans will likely be unable to stop them, therefore bringing the feared “apocalypse” to us. 
In conclusion, AI being such a pressing topic to the world, the pressure is coming not only from the scientific community, but also from the general public, for the final decision on this case will have final repercussions on the rest of the world, be they positive, or negative.