The Fundamental Nature of the Universe. (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Song, Han; Isaacson, Nathaniel
• Is Part Of: Chinese literature today. Volume 7:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Chinese literature -- Periodicals; 895.1
• DOI: 10.1080/21514399.2018.1458371
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2151-4399

Abstract

Abstract : An artificial intelligence (AI) system housed in a supercomputer meets an alien being who serves as the messenger of the Guardian, an overseer of universal order. In conversing with the alien, the supercomputer comes to understand that nihilism born of ennui is a universal phenomenon. Instead of the doomsday scenarios AI researchers have warned us of, in which sentient algorithms conclude that a human holocaust is the most logical way to sustain other goals they have been programmed with, boredom with futile cycles of human existence leads the AI to do the unthinkable.