Lyceum Society: A Simpler and Useful Way to View AI
November 4, 2024 | 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM ET
Presented by the Lyceum Society
Welcome and Introductions: 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM
Main Presentation: 11:45 PM to 2:30 PM
A Simpler and Useful Way to View AI
Bill Rosser
We reveal Artificial Intelligence Large Language Models as a fabulous development that enables quantum leaps in pattern recognition, but not beyond this. This is a breakthrough advance in computer technology, but it is not "thinking" or what we think of as human intelligence. Humans are extraordinarily skilled at pattern recognition, so we understand this very well. The colossal change here is the amount of raw data that AI can explore in order to sense and identify patterns. But it is humans that figure out what these patterns may mean or how to use them. When viewed in this way, we can sense where this capability can be usefully applied, and not be overcome with fears of some kind of uncontrolled power.
Examples of pattern recognition:
- To examine vast amounts of existing data on, for example medical diagnoses, protein structures, etc. to reveal previously unseen patterns, which can then be analyzed for new insights and understanding - leading to new discoveries and approaches to apply.
- To scan the unimaginable amounts of existing digitized text from the Internet, etc. and capturing relationships among words. This enables creation of meaningful patterns of text responses to user input prompts - based upon the calculated probability of word sequences. The meaning of the selected words is immaterial to the process. AI does not know what it is saying.
We also plan to discuss the potential impact of these capabilities on jobs in the workforce. Most useful are performing duties which are largely repetitive - such as customer service, or even personal education, etc.
In addition, we can discuss what are the dangers to society of this pattern recognition capability? Note: the patterns have no goals in themselves. Yet algorithms employing AI-based patterns are potentially dangerous. But clearly more advances will be coming soon.
Speaker
Bill Rosser retired ten years ago from Gartner, Inc., Stamford, CT, the worldwide top-ranked advisory firm providing guidance to corporations regarding their use of information technology. As a Gartner VP and Distinguished Analyst, he spent 29 years writing, speaking and advising clients about effective use of IT. He studied Basic Engineering at Princeton University, and after work in telecommunications in San Francisco, returned to the Harvard Business School and graduated with Distinction in 1962. In 1969 he formed his own start-up in data processing based on the new electronic cash registers, and after a merger, worked in strategic planning for Perkin-Elmer and Exxon Enterprises prior to Gartner. Today Bill is active as an architectural walking tour guide (Grand Central Terminal and the NoHo Historic District) and is a founding member of "Reform Elections Now" (with fellow Harvard Business School graduates) promoting vital improvements in the election processes such as Ranked Choice Voting.
Pricing
All: Free
About the Series
The Lyceum Society is a collegial venue promoting fellowship, education, and discussion among retired members of NYAS. Learn more and explore other events hosted by the Lyceum Society.