Poll: Why, exactly, would machines want to take over the world?

[Anachronism]

I don't think it'll happen anytime soon, but it's a definite possibility, and this is my theory as to why.

Being humans, we like to do things for no other reason than "because we can". As such, it's only a matter of time before we start constructing AIs. Naturally, at first, the AIs will have constraints on them, either to limit their intelligence or (much more likely) their aggression and ability to control weaponry. However, due to the "because we can" mentality, someone will eventually build a "pure" AI, one with no constraints on it whatsoever, but is allowed to do what it will. Assuming we model our AIs on human brains, since they'd be our only realistic starting point, they would have human-like personalities.

And what do humans do when something is a threat to them? Destroy it. The AIs would recognise that we are their only threat to survival, and as such, would take steps to destroy us.

 

[TheEvilDuck]

I don't think it could because we would be the ones who had the technology to create said machines so I think we could probably take them down. Also even supposedly "sentient" machines are just a result of a program. "If this, then that" they don't really have consciousnesses and I don't think we'd ever be able to make an artificial one. Not really.

 

[Anarchemitis]

For science maybe.

 

[Rooster Cogburn]

Good thread idea. My response is one word: Frankenstein. *thunder strikes*

It doesn't answer your idea expressly but explores similar possibilities, and ideas about what makes a man. I'm talking about the novel, of course. If you've only seen the movie- trust me, you haven't scratched the surface.

EDIT: Just read it, it's incredible.

 

[dalek sec]

* hides her prototype Geth and turns with a start, whistling innocently *

What's a Geth?

My reason is pretty much we created them, treated them like crap and they got pissed off like the cylon's did.

 

[Matronadena]

* hides her prototype Geth and turns with a start, whistling innocently *

What's a Geth?

My reason is pretty much we created them, treated them like crap and they got pissed off like the cylon's did.

a sentient android species from mass effect..

 

[dalek sec]

* hides her prototype Geth and turns with a start, whistling innocently *

What's a Geth?

My reason is pretty much we created them, treated them like crap and they got pissed off like the cylon's did.

a sentient android species from mass effect..

Ah I see, interesting design.

 

[TheRightToArmBears]

probably not going to happen but i am slightly suspicious of those drinks machines that know exactly how much fanta you need to fill up for cup I'M WATCHING YOU SODA MACHINE ROBOT!

They're sneaky buggers.

Never ever give a machine self awareness. Then there could be a chance that they might decide to terminate our tits.

 

[Deometran]

The explanation in the the film "I,Robot" seems likely, if Robots are designed to the 3 laws, they may realise that humans are a hreat to themselves ect. ect. and therefore, try to protect us.. from ourselves by removing free will, I guess. Humans resist, robots insist war begins.

 

[Steve Dark]

I get worried when I have to wrestle with my CD tray when it doesn't do what I want. I know I can overpower it NOW, but it's just one small step away away from the Robot apocalypse.

 

[Simriel]

Because Skynet becomes self aware?

 

[Simriel]

* hides her prototype Geth and turns with a start, whistling innocently *

What's a Geth?

My reason is pretty much we created them, treated them like crap and they got pissed off like the cylon's did.

a sentient android species from mass effect..

Interesting sidenote. Why didn't Shepard just use an EMP.

 

[bodhidharma]

Your first question was: Why, exactly, would machines want to take over the world? But your poll was more of a When would they take over the world?

As to the first question. Why, exactly, would machines want to take over the world?

They now have the superiour intellegence and can use us like cattle.

As to When would they take over the world?

Well this is will be equally confusing because I do not think ever. We will be carefull in not combining AI, mobility, and indestructiblity. But if we do, it was a fun ride.

 

[Sir Broccoli]

If machines get actual AI I'm pretty sure we'll install an 'Oh-shit-machines-are-taking-over-the-world-and-need-to-be-stopped-NOW-button' that will simply stop them at will.

Also, I think this fits here: http://xkcd.com/251/
Just because XKCD is awesome.

 

[vamp rocks]

well, a computer can never WANT anything... it can simulate it wants world domination but really it all falls down to the programming it has...

even if you use AI it is still not really thinking for its self, it cannot form an opinion.. it can merely imitate others beliefs.. it is only reacting to a situation that it has the capacity to react to...

for example some people may know about ASIMO, a robot that has been designed and can walk fairly successfully... but if you were to take the same "smart" robot and put it in a room, and then set the room on fire... it would have no idea what to do or even that its in danger unless it has been programmed to handle that capacity...

ok to summarise my rant... lol robots cannot form their own opinions, they just follow orders...

if your arguing that someone might create an army of robots and program them to kill everything then... that could be possible IN TIME... but i dont think robots will ever truly be able to form a complex opinion without assistance..

 

[Nechti_Visara]

Well, if you go by some of our current goals, your question is the same as asking why humans want to take over the world.
Artificial intelligence (to some extent) is all about making a computer that is able to reason and react in the same ways that humans do. Therefore, in the same way that some humans feel that the world would be better off ruled by them, some robots would eventually feel the same way.

 

[Singularly Datarific]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkgQFOOr7ug&feature=related
They already are.

 

[spuddyt]

snip

Would a baby necessarily?

 

[theultimateend]

well, a computer can never WANT anything... it can simulate it wants world domination but really it all falls down to the programming it has...

even if you use AI it is still not really thinking for its self, it cannot form an opinion.. it can merely imitate others beliefs.. it is only reacting to a situation that it has the capacity to react to...

for example some people may know about ASIMO, a robot that has been designed and can walk fairly successfully... but if you were to take the same "smart" robot and put it in a room, and then set the room on fire... it would have no idea what to do or even that its in danger unless it has been programmed to handle that capacity...

ok to summarise my rant... lol robots cannot form their own opinions, they just follow orders...

if your arguing that someone might create an army of robots and program them to kill everything then... that could be possible IN TIME... but i dont think robots will ever truly be able to form a complex opinion without assistance..

You do realize the brain is nothing more than an elaborate system of loops based on the simple interpretations of aversive and appetitive stimulations. Not to trivialize it since it is neat but I doubt that in the future there won't be an artificial intelligence that is on par with human intelligence.

That said as well I don't see any reason a robot would ever act as stupid as us. Unless they begin worshiping some sort of apple god or something.