Advanced artificial intelligence capable of rivaling human intellect is poised to emerge due to the convergence of psychological research patterns and select types of AI. In his groundbreaking dissertation from Linköping University, Robert Johansson presents a compelling concept: Machine Psychology, which he proposes as a means to enhance artificial intelligence.
Since the 1950s, Synthetic Normal Intelligence (Artificial General Intelligence), or AGI, has long been considered the ultimate goal of AI research. So far, human ingenuity has been unable to develop a synthetic intelligence capable of fulfilling mental tasks with the same level of proficiency as humans do. Scientists speculate that this phenomenon could unfold rapidly over the next five years.
Among them is Robert Johansson, a recent PhD graduate in computer science from Linköping University, having successfully defended his dissertation just a short while ago. While some may envision a dismal future when discussing AGI in traditional terms, he is more optimistic, believing its potential benefits could far outweigh the risks and ultimately prove advantageous for humanity.
I’m absolutely convinced that’s the case. This revolutionary technology adjusts every aspect of our work, transcending the limitations of peculiar AI – it’s an entirely distinct entity. AGI has the potential to profoundly impact society in a fundamentally distinct manner compared to current AI implementations? A novel kind of agent can be created, akin to digital researchers or psychologists – but even more so, suggests Robert Johansson.
At the same time, however, he recognizes the complexities and potential drawbacks of technological advancements in today’s tumultuous world? Would AGI’s potential to exacerbate societal divisions be a deliberate design choice?
It’s a body of knowledge that requires careful handling. It’s possible that synthetic general intelligence could mitigate the impact of various negative trends in society. If we focus on cultivating love within ourselves, we may become more compassionate individuals. According to Robert Johansson, he is receptive to Artificial General Intelligence, welcoming its potential to aid in developing this innovative concept smoothly.
However, achieving artificial intelligence that rivals the complexity of human cognition poses a significant challenge. Diverse investigators employ distinct approaches in their efforts to tackle this problem. While some advocate for large-scale language models like ChatGPT, others propose mimicking human thought processes. The trail that Robert Johansson has selected for observation is best described as a principle-driven route. Given the scope and complexity of human intelligence, he has endeavored to develop fundamental psychological research guidelines that would illuminate the nature of intelligence, subsequently integrating these principles into a computer program.
As part of his Ph.D. research at LiU, he concurrently serves as a trainer and researcher in scientific psychology at Stockholm College, where he holds the position of affiliated professor, leveraging this expertise to inform his thesis, “Empirical Research in Machine Psychology.”
“I’ve applied the principles of contemporary studying psychology to strategize the challenges of learning, thinking, and intelligence.” According to Robert Johansson, he employed a specific type of adaptive synthetic intelligence, a logic system wherein he endeavored to integrate learning from psychology.
The Non-Axiomatic Reasoning System, or NARS, has been crafted to operate effectively without exhaustive knowledge, within limited processing capabilities, and amidst real-time constraints. This provides a flexibility essential for navigating real-world challenges as they arise.
The confluence of NARS research and studying psychology principles underlies a novel interdisciplinary approach, dubbed “Machine Psychology” by its progenitor Robert Johansson, who pioneered this concept, but which has since been adopted by other innovators such as Google DeepMind.
Synthetic intelligence should learn from diverse experiences across its lifetime and then apply what it has acquired to numerous conditions, much like humans begin doing by the age of 18 months – a capability that no other animal possesses.
If you’re able to successfully implement this on a PC, then you’ve truly unlocked the mystery of artificial intelligence at a human level. According to Robert Johansson, psychology is likely to be an indispensable foundation for the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
The prospect of humans creating a mental equal within the next five years remains uncertain. While considering various features is crucial, one must first take into account the implications they may have in response to Robert Johansson’s inquiry.
We live in a society governed by laws, regulations, and ethical principles. It is imperative to define the roles and responsibilities of these intermediaries. Perhaps AGI will simply become a ubiquitous browser-based application. However, if AI demonstrates conscious awareness, it raises fundamental questions about whether this represents a new form of life.
