Published Date : 12/09/2025
Dr. Geoffrey Hinton is a British-Canadian cognitive psychologist and computer scientist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics last year “for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks.” While I may not be as renowned as Dr. Hinton, I do have my own unique insights, such as my groundbreaking theory on sugar production. However, I must admit that the Nobel committee might not fully appreciate the complexities of glucose and fructose bonding.
Dr. Hinton, who looks nothing like Brad Pitt, is often referred to as the Godfather of Artificial Intelligence. This title is both a testament to his contributions and a subtle warning. After all, being the Godfather of anything often comes with a certain level of responsibility and, in this case, potential danger.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at an unprecedented rate. Dr. Hinton has warned that AI could potentially wipe out humanity, with a 10 to 20 percent chance of this happening within the next three decades. This is a sobering thought, especially considering that AI is expected to surpass human intelligence in the next 20 years.
While I may not be an expert in cognitive psychology or computer science, it's clear to me that AI has already outsmarted humans in certain areas. Just look at the U.S. Congress, where decisions are sometimes more illogical than a malfunctioning robot. Imagine a computer proposing to rename Greenland to Red, White and Blueland to curry favor with a political figure. That's the kind of decision-making that already exists, but in human form.
Dr. Hinton also raises concerns about the impact of AI on religion. He suggests that once we create beings that can think and act independently, we may start questioning our own specialness. The idea that humans are made in the image of God might become less convincing. This raises interesting theological questions, such as whether there will be gender distinctions in robots and how they will view religious roles.
From a theological perspective, if robots become advanced enough to have genders, will they follow the same religious norms as humans? For instance, will boy robots allow girl robots to preach, or will they enforce traditional roles? These are questions that might seem far-fetched, but they are worth considering as AI continues to evolve.
Despite the potential threats and societal changes, I believe that no robot will ever diminish the value of human relationships. I have a loving family, loyal friends, and a fulfilling career. I live in a special state in a special country, and I have the opportunity to share my thoughts with you each week. These are things that make life meaningful, and they are not something a robot can replicate.
In the end, while the Godfather of AI may have some ominous warnings, I remain optimistic. No matter how advanced AI becomes, the human spirit and the connections we make with each other will always be irreplaceable. And there is nothing artificial about that.
Q: What is Dr. Geoffrey Hinton known for?
A: Dr. Geoffrey Hinton is a British-Canadian cognitive psychologist and computer scientist known as the Godfather of Artificial Intelligence. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his foundational work in machine learning with artificial neural networks.
Q: What are the potential dangers of AI according to Dr. Hinton?
A: Dr. Hinton has warned that AI could potentially wipe out humanity, with a 10 to 20 percent chance of this happening within the next three decades. He also raises concerns about the impact of AI on religion and our perception of human specialness.
Q: How soon is AI expected to surpass human intelligence?
A: AI is expected to surpass human intelligence in the next 20 years, according to many experts and Dr. Hinton's predictions.
Q: What are some theological implications of AI?
A: Theological implications of AI include questions about the creation of independent thinking beings and how this might affect our understanding of human specialness and religious roles, such as gender norms in religious practices.
Q: Why are human relationships important in the context of AI?
A: Human relationships are important because they provide meaning and value that AI cannot replicate. No matter how advanced AI becomes, the connections we make with each other and the human spirit will always be irreplaceable.