THIS is with reference to the report “Artificial intelligence can run world ‘better than humans’” (July 8), according to which, humanoid robots at a United Nations conference ‘opined’ that the artificial intelligence (AI) can run the world ‘better than humans’ because it was free of biases and emotions that cloud human decision-making.

Human emotions indeed mar decision-making, but since decisions are made about humans and not robots, emotions, feelings and such other ‘things’ have to be taken into account. The human mind does not work only on the basis of cold logic and algorithms. Individuals have their own way of processing data and giving a response.

The AI cannot get a proper grip on human emotions. Hence, AI can become useful in synergy with human intelligence, but cannot work independently. For instance, how can you motivate a soldier to give his life for his country? No logic or empirical reason can motivate him to do that. So, human emotions are a reality to be dealt with which fall outside the domain of AI.

However, the only solution to make human decisions fair is to shun negative emotions, like jealousy, hatred, cruelty, selfishness, and to instil positive emotions, like love, kindness, fairness and compassion.

All religions and spiritual doctrines have been propagating higher values and rejecting evil and negative thoughts, but, alas, humans are humans; an amalgamation of good and evil and no modern technology can change their natural disposition.

Khayyam Durrani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2023