Genius Weapons: Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Weaponry, and the Future of Warfare

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in weapons development, raising ethical dilemmas and potential threats to humanity. Physicist, technology expert, and former Honeywell executive examines the advantages and potential threats of fully autonomous weapon systems, such as the ability to make life-and-death decisions in battle, accountability, and the risk of war becoming just a matter of technology. The book offers concrete recommendations to control this new arms race.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2019
Publisher: Prometheus Books

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in weapons development is a topic of increasing concern, with ethical dilemmas and potential threats to humanity at the forefront of discussions. As technology advances, military weapon systems are evolving to include autonomous weapon systems (AWS), which are capable of making decisions without human intervention. While these systems offer the potential for reduced military casualties, they raise important questions about accountability, the nature of war, and the potential for unintended consequences.

One of the primary concerns with AWS is the ability of machines to make life-and-death decisions in battle. While robotic systems can reduce human casualties, they also raise questions about who should be held responsible for their actions. The programmer, the machine itself, or the country that deploys the AWS? This issue is particularly relevant in the context of international conflicts, where different countries may have different interpretations of the rules of engagement.

Another concern is the potential for warfare to become increasingly technologically driven, edging humanity closer to annihilation. With AWS, the focus of conflict may shift from human decision-making to the capabilities of machines, leading to a situation where war becomes a matter of technology rather than human will. This could result in a loss of control and a heightened risk of unintended consequences.

The possibility of AI technology reaching a singularity level, where our weapons are controlled by an intelligence exceeding human intelligence, is another area of concern. This scenario could lead to a situation where our weapons become autonomous and unpredictable, making it difficult to control or even predict the outcome of a conflict.

The book "The Terminator and I, Robot" provides a vivid illustration of the ethical dilemmas and existential threats posed by AWS. In the book, AI technology reaches a point where machines are capable of independent thought and decision-making, leading to a situation where humans are at risk of extinction. The book highlights the importance of responsible AI development and the need for international regulations to ensure that AWS are used in a way that is consistent with human values and principles.

In conclusion, the increasing role of AI in weapons development presents a complex set of ethical dilemmas and potential threats to humanity. While AWS offer the potential for reduced military casualties, they raise important questions about accountability, the nature of war, and the potential for unintended consequences. It is essential that we approach the development and deployment of AWS with caution and responsibility, ensuring that they are used in a way that is consistent with human values and principles.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781633884526