This isn’t a topic that is relatively new. It’s been discussed for ages. A point where people fear the rise of AI and the point it will take over humanity. Humanity is obsessed with itself, with advancing itself and making things easier for themselves. But all this sometimes becomes unnecessary, and people can grow to the point where they lose a sense of the basics and forget the things that really matter, and thus turns into a loss of connection with nature. So many people argue that this development is not a way of making things easier for life, but rather a distraction to make people sluggish.
Technology has come to a point where activities require people to sit for long periods of time, which will have long term negative effects on a person’s health. And now people have come to a position where they no longer need to leave their house to get anything they need. With these home devices and smart speakers, no one knows who could be listening to them in their own homes.
Elon Musk, a well-known billionaire, entrepreneur, and investor has been one of the biggest voices on this pending situation. He himself knows of the troubles that are to face humanity should this technology progress to a point it can teach itself. In a recent article, he is noted to call AI “more dangerous than nukes”.
Those that only see from a business perspective and see AI development as innovation have said that Musk’s ideas are less than ridiculous. It’s the flaw in the individuals that ignore the signs all around a society that are led to a downfall sooner than later. Musk stated “They (those that are for AI improvement) think they know more than they do, and think they are smarter than they actually are. This tends to plague smart people.”
Musk’s statements are ones that are beginning to make people think. With an artificial intelligence that has a type 2 or 3 AI, where it has the capability to understand human emotion and retain knowledge and memory, people have put more of these machines in situations where they are able to learn more by themselves. This results in what Musk says will be a point humans can no longer manage AI in a safe way.
So many companies involved in this “AI movement” only seem to be invested in profits and a means to stay in the public eye. A simple malfunction is nothing compared to the other success they’ve had and profit that comes with it. In another recent article from the Forbes, it details how various businesses have launched projects and machines without builders and company heads knowing the risks involved. Another company manufacturing light detection sensors had an unsuccessful product as a truck using them failed to switch on, and thus killed an innocent bystander. Their response was less than sympathetic or concerned.
This type of behavior and recklessness will be the start of a demoralized ideas in technology, with the public put in harm’s way.
Society in the 21st century hasn’t quite made it to flying cars, but for the time being it’s managed to produce self-driving cars. A path which some would say is the start to flying cars and greater opportunities. But with this innovation that has been envisioned for generations, there are great benefits but also terrible destructions that could follow. The ideas are further reaching than alleviation of stress when not driving, and much more dangerous than a simple car crash when comparing the good to the bad.
So many have heard the disappointing discussions of machines taking people’s jobs. Things such as a self-checkout machine at a store replacing a cashier. A self-driving car is no different in this case. Assume that these new machines are used as a taxi service, which is another person’s source of income depleted. But looking even further into the technology aspect of things, when a person takes this taxi service a number of questions can run through their minds.
They may wonder if it’s safe, or could there be an accident with others on the road not using these self-driving machines. And these questions are reasonable enough, seeing as any AI has the ability to malfunction or even be hacked.
It’s been evident that in earlier years of this technology’s, specifically when the first automobiles came onto the scene, it’s led the destruction and harm to the surrounding area and bystanders.
But while these assumptions, ideas, and beliefs are possible, that won’t stop engineers from pushing for what is considered innovation on the roads. Many people have been in a situation where driving can be a bit of a hassle and stressful, to say the least.
Not everyone is the best or responsible driver on the roads and there’s a good chance people’s lives are at risk. With a self-driving car, however, it is entirely possible if made with least chances of malfunctions that these cars can reduce road deaths.
More than individual benefits, self-driving cars will help the environment on a greater level. With the talk of pollution and global warming, these cars are also intended to be electric and energy efficient. They’ll come with smart routing systems allowing for spacing between vehicles to decrease traffic, and in addition, one idea is that during long commutes, individuals will be able to work or even rest to focus on one task. A driverless vehicle taxi system can encourage less fortunate or less paid individuals to use the cars to make for easier, safer, and comfortable means of travel.
When it comes to accidents that are sure to happen regardless if there is a driver or not, these self-driving cars are to come equipped with cameras to catch exactly what happened. In the event a crime happens to take place nearby, or involving the passenger, police and investigators will be able to have a clear picture of the situation.
The time is fast approaching, and these new revolutionary cars are said to be coming out soon. Only public opinion will determine if they prove useful or useless.
The time is fast approaching where the late years and highly developed technology we see in science fiction movies are coming to life. But contrary to belief, the highly advanced type of AI people were once expecting is still taking some time to achieve. There are even some misunderstandings of what machines and robots are capable of and what they will be able to do in the future.
There are a number of variations in AI. However, a topic and category known simply as “ML” or Machine Learning is a part of that but stated to be quite different. In a simple explanation, artificial intelligence itself and the type of artificial intelligence has a different meaning from “Machine Learning”. Machine Learning is simply the level in which artificial intelligence is advanced and able to carry out tasks.
Artificial Intelligence can and has been summed up into simple categories to describe a robot, computer, and overall machine’s ability with types spanning from 1 to 4.
AI type 1 is the “Narrow AI” where much like a simple computer or when computers first emerged in society, their job was to carry out task given to them with a simple set of premade rules and orders to create a result.
Type two is a simple step up, giving AI the ability to now archive information and form memory to better construct results.
Type three AI is a highly advanced AI in which machines can retain knowledge and hold memory, but with that, they are able to comprehend human emotion and behave more like a human would overall.
Finally, Type four AI is the most extreme form. It involves robots not only understanding emotion and reacting accordingly, but they are also equipped with tools to understand their own existence and awareness of the environment around them.
With this in mind, ML (Machine learning) is ongoing to help expand on every AI type and AI in general. By taking all the types of AI, some have taken them and put them into even smaller categories and listed it as “Applied AI” and “Generalized AI”. Generalized AI is the more advanced type of artificial intelligence such as type 3 and type 4, where robots seem and behave more like humans. This is the behavior that engineers and scientist strive to, and thus influences machine learning.
When development on computers was still in progress, Type 1 of AI was first introduced otherwise known as “applied AI”. With this, everything was put inside the computer to carry out tasks for individuals using it. Of course, like any new technology, it takes a lot of work, and new computers were no different. Because of this difficulty, developers soon came up with the early development of machine learning as well. This would enable the computers to learn for itself rather than everything being preprogrammed into the machine. Since its progression, it has proved useful not only for creators but other individuals as well.
When the internet came out, this allowed for even more information to be stored in the computer and vast knowledge to be spread worldwide.
As time has progressed, many believe that this idea of machine learning is endless. And in a way it is. Already, machine learning has led to the development of widespread home devices like “Amazon Echo” and “Google Home”. Of course, they were programmed to respond and react to commands, but with their connection to the internet and other’s requests and questions uploaded to a cloud, these devices have been able to form memory and archive of patterns to help better retain knowledge.
As the world continues to progress, it has seemed unavoidable that technology becomes an increasing part of day to day life. While many see this as great importance and convenience, others argue it could be the downfall of humanity. However, it depends on how far people are willing to allow AI to go. When thinking of technology in the future, many people imagine the usual flying cars and self-functioning robots.
But there is a difference put into specific categories that many people aren’t aware of. There are a number of variations of AI that individuals who are interested in the subject have created. Some have made broad categories for types, and others have made detailed scales describing the types of AI seen in the present day or in science fiction movies, television shows, or books.
To begin, the most basic form of artificial intelligence happens to be like the beginning stages of technology itself. The type of technology most assume is “Purely Reactive” otherwise known as “Type 1” or even “Narrow AI”. This type of knowledge within AI is similar to a computer or the type of computers that were first built.
An AI that had limited understanding or awareness and was programmed only to carry out what the user instructs it to do. Of course many computers today are still like this, whether individuals use it for coding or programming, the machine has been made with a set of rules and scenarios to produce a result for every possible command the user has.
This limited knowledge is what leads many to categorize other simple machines as “purely reactive”. A machine that specializes in specific requests and commands.
In today’s society, this type of AI is becoming more common. What so many consider to be a great convenience to carry out tasks and needs with little effort are the machines like “Amazon Echo” or “Google Home.” They are devices that have abilities to understand and respond to request on a greater scale. Contrary to “narrow AI” (simply having programmed knowledge to respond to possible results of the user) machines today with a “Type 2” AI, receive knowledge and continue to gather it from representations of the world or other’s questions or commands.
This gathering of information allows for an archive of memory that understands patterns. Therefore, with a little more free room to move, machines like this are also able to make fewer mistakes and respond accordingly.
The third type of AI is the type of artificial intelligence people typically find in movies, television, and books. Usually, they are robots and machines that are considered past modern time and resources. These are the machines that most think are “cool” as they are able to act and behave so much like a real human, but still keeping in mind that they are robots.
This “Type 3” AI thinks on a bigger plane than type 1 or type 2 combined. With the ability to execute commands like type 1 but also retain knowledge like type 2, type three allows machines to react and understand human emotions. It is this level of ability that many will find characters in movies becoming attached to. At the same time, many might find this level of intelligence to be feared because such capability to behave like a human is unsettling. And the reason for their unease leads to Type 4.
Finally, there is the “Type 4” AI, seeming to only be a modification or slight advance from type 3. It is this level where machines are not only able to carry out a request, retain memory, and understand human reactions, but this level takes robots to the point where they are more human themselves.
AI at this point is now self-aware of who they are and what they are. They are considered highly intelligent at this point, caring, and with an inner conscience. Such ability makes people associate this AI with extraterrestrial interference or knowledge.
International council for science (ICSU) is an international organization that has brought together member states and scientific organizations for promoting science development. Its headquarter is in Paris, France. Its members are international scientific unions and National scientific bodies.
ICSU was founded in 1931. Formerly, it was composed of two organizations: The International Association of Academies (IAA; 1899 – 1914) and the International Research Council (IRC; 1919 – 1931).
In 1998, the two bodies were brought under the umbrella name of International Council of Science though the same abbreviations ICSU was retained. The ICSU’s major activity is to optimize science to benefit the society worldwide.
The secretariat of the ICSU is composed of 17 staff members. They are responsible for the daily running of the organization under the watchful eyes of an elected executive board. There are three policy committees namely: The Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in the conduct of Science (CFRS), the Committee on Finance (CF) and the Committee on Scientific Planning and Review (CSPR). These committees assist the board. The general assembly meets after every three years.
As of 2012, ICSU had observers and associates from 140 countries, 120 national scientific members and 31 disciplinary scientific unions worldwide. The president of the ICSU is Mr. Gordon McBean.
ICSU core mission is to bring the rich scientific knowledge from scientist regardless of their country of origin or race. In its interactions with various members it has offered sound advice to governments, private sectors and other stakeholders involved in scientific development and application.
Under this ICSU umbrella, multi-disciplinary scientists from all countries are brought together for the same cause. Resources and knowledge is drummed up to identify important scientific issues and the society in general.
The ICSU draws funds mainly from member’s contributions. Other sources include framework contracts and grants from United Nations bodies and agencies supporting scientific research work and development.
The International Council for Science, the International Social Science Council and the International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences have announced the year 2016 as the International Year of Global Understanding (IYGU).
During the world, social science forum held in Durban, participants were informed that various research projects, information campaigns and educational programmers’ will be conducted all year round. This worldwide campaign is aimed at relating how peoples’ daily activities affects “the global fronts in relation to climate change and food security.”
On each day in 2016, the IYGU will highlight a change to an everyday activity that “has been scientifically proven to be more sustainable than the current practice,” said a statement. This will have a paradigm change on how people view their simple daily activities.
Though the United Nations has not granted the IYGU status of an international observed year, it aims at raising the voice of science. So far, it’s the only year that has obtained the scientific community support.
IYGU has moved from the traditions of solving climatic problems from above. Dealing directly with the people is the new approach. The reason behind this is to exchange notes with the people on the ground, make them understand the outcomes of their activities and take a corrective measure.
Anantha Duraiappah, the director of UNESCO’S Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace, is optimistic that the year will offer incites to students and an opportunity for policy makers to engage with scientists.
IYGU has taken the challenge further by inviting short video from artists. Musicians, photographers, film makers and other artists have been requested to produce a video in their own language and understanding. The video will include their motivation, objectives and the impacts of their works in the society.
Rob Cartridge, the head of Action Aid in UK, is optimistic that international years can be sufficient vehicles to highlight issues and IYGU seems to achieve that.
International Social Science Council (ISSC) was started in 1952 under the umbrella of the United Nations. Its headquarter is in Paris, France. It is an international body headed by Alberto Martinelli. It was started by a resolution of the UNESCO general meeting and registered under the French law.
ISSC core mandate is to promote and develop social sciences worldwide. This encompasses numerous human behaviors, relations, activities and their effects on their environment. It strives to collect, analyze and compare data on human behavior to come up with evidence based policy making decisions.
ISSC has spread its influence to countries with poor social capacity and devised ways of improving their status. The world has become a global village, therefore, a solution in one part of the world imparts positively to the greater world.
This fact has led to the organizations worldwide approach to solve the global crisis. The organization works with funders, policy makers, database collectors, researchers and renowned scientific organizations to conduct education and transmit knowledge.
Climate change, an environmental ill that is changing weather patterns, is a real concern to policy makers. The floods, droughts and desertification are issues that call for concerted efforts to be halted. Seminars and conferences are continuously conducted worldwide to come up with solutions for halting this phenomenon.
ISSC organizes networks of young social scientist to observe behaviors and report them to a central location where they are analyzed and definitive action taken. In addition, ISSC awards two scientific prizes to scientists who have excelled in interdisciplinary research. These are the Rokkan and Foundation Mattei Dogan prizes.
To make the world a habitable place with lasting peace is the ultimate goal of ISSC. A concerted effort with all stakeholders is sustained to achieve this aim. By discovering the human understanding of issues affecting the society, the organization can step in and offer sound solutions.
Villa Celimontana is the central collection and preservation home of all documentary materials globally. These materials include books, manuscripts and geographical maps. The home has a long history since 1572, when it was built to the acquisition by the Italian government after the World War I. The home was handed over to the city of Rome which granted it to Geographical Society in 1926.
The Home of Geography has improved its infrastructures resulting to safer storage with improved roles. With the leadership of the outgoing Director Prof. Armando Montanari, a memorandum of understanding was signed by International Geographical Union (IGU) and the Italian Geography Society.
The aim was to support geography, both locally and globally, to manage and conserve International Geographic Union materials, organize meetings and networking with global geographical stakeholders and to provide technical support to geographers.
The IGU is committed to improve its invaluable collections by channeling more acquisitions, deposits, and gifts to its premises. The library is strategically organized with future mission in mind. The president and the secretariat utilize the upper rooms.
Meetings take place at Giussepe Dalla Vedova and the historical materials, videos, photos and museum collections are preserved in the upper level. The lower level has six rooms where the society’s board meets and serves as a reading room.
The IGU has collected archives from London and Bonn dating back from 1956 to 2000. These materials contain the meaning of IGU, working and study groups, member countries, newsletters, affiliations with other organizations and financial income and expenditure of the union.
IGU has established home of geography publication series, information network, geography website and newsletters to disseminate and collect geographical materials worldwide. In addition, meetings and conferences are organized periodically to team up with technical geographers and IGU executive committee to coordinate international geographical events.
The new Director, Prof. Giuliano Belleza has been ushered in to implement the future objectives of IGU. He is expected to update the paper and video archives and restore the missing documentations, enhance IGU publication series and network, distribute Home Geography in Italian Universities and maintain continued seminars and conferences.
IGB is an international, scientific committee working under the patronage of the International Geographical Union. It has the updated geographical publications globally, written in English and French languages.
It started operations in 1891 focusing on geographical issues. It analyzes geographical books, journals, theses, maps, atlases and congresses. It also includes a network of geographical specialists who offer insights on some countries or issues on study.
IGB has a scientific committee which was set up in 2000. It ensures that scientific policy of database is continuously updated. It is composed of nine members who meet after every two years.
The chronology of publications starts from the year 1891. The journal Annales de Geographie was written by P. Vidal de la Blache and M. Dubois. L. Raveneau was the sub-editor and was in charge of the Bibliography. In 1921, French Association of geographers was established and it published the IGB independently by Elicio Colins.
In 1932, the Cairo International Geographical Congress published the journal and changed its name to International Geographical Bibliography. The journal was published again in 1949 with the support of UNESCO under the patronage of IGU.
In 1951, Pierre George who was in charge of Eastern Europe became the editor. He maintained and covered all areas of interest satisfactorily.
From 1953 to 1976, various publications were produced. In 1976, the work was computerized by Roger Brunet. It consisted of a bulletin and a bibliographic database, both in English and French. About 1986, a 12-member international committee was being set up. Various publications were done from 1991 to 2009, when the keywords were translated into Spanish.
In 2010, the website on the internet was created. On this site, one enters the keywords of the area of interest and details pop up. Research servers were also designed for producing specific results like pictures in the area of interest.
2012 saw the IGB website having both French and English languages. In 2014, the IGB database was closed as the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), which presented a scientific and technical information strategy came into force.
Royal Geographical Society was founded in 1830 with an objective of promoting geographical sciences. It has a long history having started as Geographical Society of London in 1830. It took over the Raleigh Club, the Palestinian Association as well as the African Association which had been started by Sir Joseph Bank in 1788.
The idea of establishing it was discussed at dinner debates in London, just like many learned societies. The original members were Sir John Franklin, Sir John Barrow and Sir Francis Beaufort.
In 1859, under the support of King William IV, its name became Royal Geographical Society as it was granted a royal charter by Queen Victoria. In 1911, Earl Curzon became the society’s president and secured its present premises; Lowther Lodge in Kensington Gore. It was purchased for £100,000. It was opened for use in 1913, the same year women were allowed into the society.
The RGS has a long list of elected president since its establishment. The current president is Nicholas Crane. He chairs the council which is governed by the board of trustees.
The association has worked closely with renowned explorers and expeditions. This includes Darwin, Livingstone, Scotts Stanley, Hillary, Hunt and Shackleton. These explorers collected maps, charts, information and discoveries and handed them to RGS for safe storage.
In 1831; the society published its first journal with other meetings being recorded during proceedings. The Geographical Journal was first published in 1893 to date.
The historical collections were opened to the public in 2004 and a new membership criterion was set up to incorporate more people with interest in geography. The Foyle Reading Room was also opened to improve the society’s knowledge by actual observations and feelings. RGS uses these collections to engage the public and research centers and assists in policy making for the betterment of the general society.