While the article is good overall, the use of the term “God-like AI” detracts from its value. Utilizing such sensationalist descriptions is counterproductive, especially when there are many more suitable terms available. I’ve seen several references to this phrase already, and it’s clear that it’s a distraction, providing critics with an easy target.
Superhuman capabilities have a long tradition of being associated with God-figures. God-like refers to the human cultural construct of god(s), not to the actuality of a God. It’s a short, but accurate, way to say “with properties that humans have historically / traditionally thought of as being associated with gods” which obviously wouldn’t flow as well.
While the article is good overall, the use of the term “God-like AI” detracts from its value. Utilizing such sensationalist descriptions is counterproductive, especially when there are many more suitable terms available. I’ve seen several references to this phrase already, and it’s clear that it’s a distraction, providing critics with an easy target.
Superhuman capabilities have a long tradition of being associated with God-figures. God-like refers to the human cultural construct of god(s), not to the actuality of a God. It’s a short, but accurate, way to say “with properties that humans have historically / traditionally thought of as being associated with gods” which obviously wouldn’t flow as well.