Arthur C. Clarke's short story "The Nine Billion Names of God" tells the tale of a group of monks in Tibet who believe that inscribing all the names of God will bring about the end of the universe. They enlist the help of engineers who use powerful computers to complete the task in three months instead of thousands of years. The story ends with the stars going out, symbolizing the potential consequences of relying too heavily on technology. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly OpenAI's ChatGPT, has sparked fascination and debate about its potential impact on society. Large companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet are investing heavily in AI, while scholars and artists express concerns about its implications. The fear of AI surpassing human intelligence and potentially posing existential risks is a prominent viewpoint. However, it is essential to remember that the internet, once seen as a utopia, has led to unforeseen consequences such as social polarization and the spread of disinformation. While AI can have liberating effects, it also carries the risk of biases and loss of control.

The field of AI is primarily focused on large language models (LLMs) that analyze patterns in vast sets of data. LLMs can generate human-like responses but lack true understanding or consciousness. The role of language in our concept of intelligence is evident in the Turing test, which determines whether a machine can convincingly imitate human behavior. However, AI's ability to use language does not equate to true thinking or feeling. Despite AI's potential for creativity, it cannot replicate human artistry, as it lacks subjectivity, desire, and the ability to interpret experiences. AI's impact on society depends on its deployment within existing systems and the broader social and political contexts. The belief in AI as an objective, authority figure to provide answers to complex issues reflects the desires for certainty and truth in an increasingly uncertain world. However, relying on AI to make sense of reality can lead to further confusion and mistrust. As AI advances, it is crucial to question its deployment, consider ethical boundaries, and address underlying social and political problems rather than relying on technology itself to solve them.