AI May Soon Outthink Humans, Ethicist Warns

Published Date : 7/9/2025 

Guelph-based ethicist Christopher Di Carlo cautions that artificial general intelligence (AGI) may soon surpass human intelligence, raising significant ethical concerns. 

Guelph-based ethicist Christopher Di Carlo warns that artificial general intelligence (AGI) could soon surpass human intelligence, raising urgent ethical concerns. In his new book, 'Building a God: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the Race to Control It,' Di Carlo delves into the potential dangers and benefits of AI.

It's been nearly three years since Chat GPT was first released to the world. Since then, artificial intelligence has rapidly become a regular part of many people's daily lives and has continued to improve at a breakneck speed. Guelph-based ethicist Christopher Di Carlo is worried that artificial intelligence may soon surpass human intelligence.

Di Carlo wrote about his concerns for an AI future in his new book, 'Building a God: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the Race to Control It.' He joined CBC K-W's 'The Morning Edition' host Craig Norris to talk about the promises, perils, and ethical dilemmas of AI.

In the book, Di Carlo distinguishes between artificial narrow intelligence (ANI) and artificial general intelligence (AGI). ANI, such as Siri, Alexa, autonomous vehicles, and even your Roomba, can only perform very specific tasks based on their limited algorithms. On the other hand, AGI is the Holy Grail of the tech world. It is a more generalized form of AI that can perform multiple tasks simultaneously and do them far better than any human.

Di Carlo emphasizes the need for urgent regulation to control the development of AGI. He points out that a few billionaire tech bros are racing to achieve this level of AI without proper guardrails in place. The lack of regulation could lead to significant ethical and moral issues. For instance, the removal of the Harris-Biden executive order by Mr. Donald Trump has opened the floodgates for unregulated AI development.

Despite the potential risks, Di Carlo acknowledges the significant benefits that AI can bring. In medicine, AI has the potential to revolutionize diagnostic abilities, develop new treatments, and address global issues such as climate change and world hunger. AI can also contribute to the development of new energy sources and improve the quality of life for many people.

Di Carlo's interest in AI dates back to the 1990s when he tried to build a machine called The Oz Talk Project, a model of information theory. He approached politicians and university presidents to fund the project, but he couldn't secure any funding. This experience led him to draft a universal global constitution for when such a machine is eventually built. His focus then shifted to promoting critical thinking in high schools. However, the release of GPT 3 in November 2022 marked a turning point, prompting him to write his book.

Advancements in AI have many people worried about the future, their jobs, and their place in the world. Di Carlo predicts that the rapid development of AI could lead to increased anxiety, depression, and psychosis. His colleague, Jonathan Hyde at NYU, has conducted extensive studies on the impact of smartphones on youth, which has already shown significant effects. The introduction of AI could exacerbate these issues, leading to a global angst similar to the reaction to nuclear weaponry.

Di Carlo's book calls for a balanced approach to AI development, emphasizing the need for ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure that the benefits of AI are realized while minimizing the risks. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the difference between AGI and ANI?

A: Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) can perform specific tasks based on limited algorithms, while Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is more generalized and can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, often better than humans.

Q: What are the potential benefits of AI?

A: AI can revolutionize medicine, address global issues like climate change and world hunger, and develop new energy sources, among other benefits.

Q: What are the ethical concerns with AI development?

A: The main ethical concerns include the potential for AI to surpass human intelligence, the lack of regulation, and the mental health impacts on individuals and society.

Q: How can governments control superintelligent AI?

A: Currently, there are no clear answers, but urgent regulation and ethical guidelines are needed to ensure that AI development is controlled and beneficial.

Q: What prompted Christopher Di Carlo to write his book?

A: Di Carlo's interest in AI dates back to the 1990s, but the release of GPT 3 in November 2022 marked a turning point, prompting him to write 'Building a God: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the Race to Control It.' 

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