Speaker: Alex Wissner-Gross
Length: 11:48
Summary
“The question of whether machines can think is about as relevant as the question of whether submarines can swim” – Computer scientist Djikstra criticising early computer scientists obsessions with machines ‘thinking’.
Alex looked at developing a universal equation of intelligence. Many of the recent intelligent computer programs made actions to maximise future options – not to be ‘trapped’.
His equation is F = T ∇ Sτ
- F is Force of intelligence
- T is strength to maintain future actions
- With diversity of future options S over time horizon τ
Universes with more entropy are more conducive to intelligence. Alex discussed Entropica, a program that seems to make it’s own goals by maximising long term entropy. This naturally allows it to balance a pole upright, tool use, social networking, play the stock market – even without being instructed to do so. All these inherently human traits can be encouraged by this one equation.
From this experiment, the following conclusions can be drawn
- The ability to take control of our universe is not a result of intelligence, but a requirement for intelligence.
- Goal seeking is important to maximise future actions, even at the cost of today’s action
- Intelligence is a physical process that maximises future freedom, and resists future confinement
A fascinating talk, with important implications in philosophy of intelligence and computer science in addition to the fields mentioned during the experiments. Strongly recommended.
Bookmarked and saved! Thanks for the amazing read