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Meta, OpenAI Training AI To Reason, But Which Ethical Framework Is Being Followed?

Published April 10, 2024 3:45 PM
Giuseppe Ciccomascolo
Published April 10, 2024 3:45 PM

Key Takeaways

  • OpenAI and Meta are nearing the release of powerful new large language models (LLMs).
  • These advancements represent a significant step toward achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), where machines can reason and think like humans.
  • While the technology progresses, the ethical guidelines for deploying such powerful AI remain unclear.

OpenAI and Meta are poised to unveil  groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) models, touted to possess reasoning and planning capabilities, significant milestones in the journey towards achieving superhuman cognition in machines.

Despite their track record in developing AI models and imbuing them with human-like behavior, the ethical framework guiding their development remains uncertain.

Meta And OpenAI Train AI Models

Executives at both OpenAI and Meta have hinted about the impending launch of their latest large language models, the engines that drive generative AI applications like ChatGPT.

Meta has announced  the imminent rollout of Llama 3 in the coming weeks. At the same time, OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, has indicated the upcoming release of its next model, tentatively named GPT-5, in the near future.

According  to Brad Lightcap, chief operating officer at OpenAI, the forthcoming iteration of GPT will make significant strides in tackling challenging tasks such as reasoning. It will mark a pivotal advancement in the quest for ‘artificial general intelligence,’ the attainment of human-level cognition. This capability enables chatbots and virtual assistants to navigate through sequences of interconnected tasks and anticipate the outcomes of their actions.

Incorporating reasoning capabilities would involve the AI model actively exploring potential solutions, orchestrating a sequence of actions, and constructing a comprehensive understanding of the anticipated outcomes of its decisions.

What’s An Ethical Framework?

Ethical frameworks serve as endeavors to establish common ground on values and norms within various communities, whether they consist of individuals, citizens, governments, businesses operating in the data sector, or other stakeholders.

Numerous organizations have engaged in crafting ethical frameworks for AI, each with their own perspectives, yet there’s been a growing convergence toward certain principles.

According to the paper  “Modelling Human Values for AI Reasoning” by Nardine Osmana and Mark d’Inverno, there’s a heightened recognition across governments, industries, and the public regarding the pressing need for ethical approaches to AI. Academia, meanwhile, is actively exploring the role of human values in shaping ethical AI.

Stuart Russell, a prominent figure in AI research, advocates  shifting the focus of AI from mere “intelligence” to “intelligence provably aligned with human values.” This call has spurred the emergence of the value alignment problem, leading to a range of research areas aimed at integrating human values into AI systems.

Despite these efforts, a formal model of values that provides a solid foundational basis for designing AI architectures addressing the value alignment problem is yet to be established.

Which One Will They Follow?

OpenAI and Meta have announced their news, yet have not disclosed the ethical framework guiding their actions. This lack of clarity is notable given the plethora of ethical guidelines from entities like the European Union, US Government, and private companies. Moreover, past instances indicate a tendency for these companies to gloss over ethical considerations.

According  to AI XR Quantum Executive Brandon Donnelly , a renowned AI expert, the narrative surrounding OpenAI under Sam Altman served as a critical lesson at the juncture of ethics and innovation in AI. It underscores the imperative for ethical leadership in the AI era, emphasizing the delicate balance between technological advancement and ethical integrity.

Also Altman’s firing of last year highlighted the pivotal importance of integrating ethical considerations into every facet of AI development. It stresses the necessity for collaborative efforts across disciplines to formulate robust ethical frameworks that guide AI usage.

Ultimately, the conflict between OpenAI’s board and Sam Altman served as a poignant reminder that while we strive to unlock AI’s potential, we must do so with a profound commitment to upholding human values. As we harness the power of AI, let us ensure it serves as a force for good, respecting human dignity and enriching our world ethically and responsibly.

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