{"id":1285,"date":"2023-09-29T22:44:55","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T22:44:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/?p=1285"},"modified":"2024-06-10T22:47:30","modified_gmt":"2024-06-10T22:47:30","slug":"why-not-to-panic-about-a-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/2023\/09\/29\/why-not-to-panic-about-a-i\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Not to Panic About A.I."},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\"college
\nCenter for Policy Studies
\nPublic Affairs Discussion Group<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Why Not to Panic About A.I.<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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\"headshot\"<\/p>\n

Kalle Lyytinen, Ph.D. – Iris S. Wolstein Professor of Management Design<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
Friday September 29, 2023
\n12:30-1:30 p.m.
\nMeeting Both In-Person and by Zoom<\/strong><\/span>
\nAlternate Room: Mather House 100<\/strong><\/span>
\nCase Western Reserve University<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Colleagues:<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s about time the \u201cFriday Lunch\u201d addressed controversies about \u201cA.I.\u201d I promise I wrote this explanation myself.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The launch of ChatGPT by<\/span>\u00a0OpenAI<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0on November 30, 2022 within a week<\/span>\u00a0attracted about a million users<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0trying out the technology, including<\/span>\u00a0one researcher\u2019s seven-year-old daughter<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0(she liked it); and over the following weeks a burst of coverage about the possible consequences of Generative Artificial Intelligence. It also set off a weird mix of fascination and concern. Immediate opinions ranged from Paul Krugman wondering about effects on skilled jobs<\/span>\u00a0(December 6<\/u><\/span><\/a>) to Zeynep Tufekci wondering what Plato (who apparently didn\u2019t like the alphabet) would think (<\/span>December 15<\/u><\/span><\/a>). One doesn\u2019t have to go far in the<\/span>\u00a0Marvel Cinematic Universe<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0to see the range of so-far fictional possibilities. But public attention was turbocharged when on May 30, 2023, the Center for AI Safety issued a \u201c<\/span>Statement on AI Risk<\/u><\/span><\/a>,\u201d declaring that,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAI experts, journalists, policymakers, and the public are increasingly discussing a broad spectrum of important and urgent risks from AI. Even so, it can be difficult to voice concerns about some of advanced AI\u2019s most severe risks. The succinct statement below aims to overcome this obstacle and open up discussion. It is also meant to create common knowledge of the growing number of experts and public figures who also take some of advanced AI\u2019s most severe risks seriously\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cMitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.\u201d<\/strong><\/span>Numerous leading figures<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0in AI development signed the statement, explaining that even though there were disagreements about the details of the risk there was wide agreement that there was plenty to worry about. Given these comments, it should be no surprise that<\/span>\u00a0Pew\u2019s polling<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0in August showed much more concern than excitement about AI among the general public.<\/p>\n

So what is all this about? \u201cGenerative Artificial Intelligence\u201d refers to systems that can create text and images, sound and video, with ChatGPT itself creating text. Other programs, such as the recently updated<\/span>\u00a0DALL-E 3<\/u><\/span><\/a>, can generate images to fit text, or mimic a person\u2019s voice. It is an elaboration on traditional AI, which<\/span>\u00a0one overview<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0explains \u201chas largely been used for analysis, allowing people to spot patterns and make predictions by assessing huge sets of data.\u201d A relatively straightforward example of that technology is training machines to<\/span>\u00a0recognize tumors from scans<\/u><\/span><\/a>, based not on instructions about for what to look but from associating later evidence of tumors with the material within scans that the machines record \u2013 without the users necessarily knowing the \u201cartificial\u201d logic. But it might also be used, for example, to identify \u201csuspicious\u201d behavior or even targets for drone attacks.<\/p>\n

ChatGPT gets so much attention because it could engage almost anyone who cares to engage with it \u2013 unlike, say, medical imaging machines or batteries of military drones, which have rather more specialized users.\u00a0It is fairly easy to imagine ways that Generative A.I. can cause lots of trouble<\/strong>, though the biggest concern on campus, the potential for rampant cheating on assignments, does not seem extinction-level. But other A.I. applications also have long caused concern among experts and some policy-makers.<\/p>\n

A February, 2018 report, for example, addressed \u201c<\/span>The Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u201d (and Machine Learning, which is sort of a synonym). It emphasized both that AI systems could be designed in a threatening way (e.g. surveillance in an authoritarian state) and that AI systems that were not obviously threatening could be hacked \u2013 \u201ce.g. the subversion of military lethal autonomous weapon systems.\u201d The European Union has been working to develop a regulatory framework, from a White Paper on \u201c<\/span>A European approach to excellence and trust<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u201d in February of 2020 to a European Commission proposed regulatory framework in April of 2021 to the EU Parliament supporting a draft \u201cAI Act\u201d in June of this year \u2013 though<\/span>\u00a0actual adoption<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0is uncertain because it requires agreement among the Parliament, the European Commission, and the states on the European Council.<\/p>\n

But such concerns are countered by the technological optimism and promotionalism that seems central to our current culture. Thus in late June, \u201c(m)ajor tech founders, CEOs, VCs and industry giants across Europe\u2026<\/span>\u00a0signed an open letter<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0to the EU Commission, warning that Europe could miss out on the generative AI revolution if the EU passes laws stifling innovation.\u201d There is little reason to believe that the U.S. political system could generate a coherent response to much of any threat.<\/p>\n

At the same time, both hope and fear share two problems. First,\u00a0both assume that AI will have great effects because it will be greatly effective. From my own observations of applications in medical care, I have my doubts. Second, they don\u2019t tell us much about how organizations can or should combine human and machine input or activity.<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s interesting to say we should be concerned, but what do we know about that?<\/p>\n

The interactions between humans and machines that learn is one of the subjects of Professor Kalle Lyytinen\u2019s current research.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0He argues<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0that we are seeing \u201cnew, emergent, sociotechnical systems where machines that learn join human learning and create original systemic capabilities.\u201d These \u201cwill change many facets of the way we think about organizations and work.\u201d Good? Bad? Mostly a waste of money and time? I\u2019m not sure how he will answer, but it makes sense to ask research questions rather than panic! For the moment\u2026
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

In-Person and Virtual Attendance<\/h3>\n

This Friday\u2019s meeting has been moved from the Kelvin Smith Library to Mather House 100. Mather House is the building in between the Thwing Center and the Church of the Covenant. The main entrance faces east, towards the Church.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We will also meet in Mather House on Oct 13 and Oct 20.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We continue also to offer the meetings on Zoom. We do require pre-registering so as to avoid \u201czoom-bombing.\u201d The pre-registration link is posted below.<\/p>\n

The discussion begins at 12:30 p.m., but the room should be open no later than Noon. We try to have beverages and refreshments set up soon after that. Participants should be able to sign on to Zoom also by Noon. But please remember not much will be happening online until the talk begins at 12:30 pm. You do not need to show identification to enter Mather House, but I don\u2019t understand why anyone would walk around without any, anyway.<\/p>\n

Zoom participants should speak up when asked for questions or comments, or submit thoughts through Zoom\u2019s chat function. Please keep yourself muted until you are choosing to speak.<\/p>\n

Each week we will send out this newsletter with information about the topic. It will also include a link to register (for free) for the discussion.<\/strong>\u00a0When you register, you will automatically receive from the Zoom system the link to join the meeting. If you do not get the newsletter, you should also be able to get the information each Monday by checking<\/span>\u00a0http:\/\/fridaylunch.case.edu<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0Then if you choose you can use the contact form on that website to request the registration link.<\/span><\/p>\n

This week’s Zoom link for registration is:<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/cwru.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/tJUlc-ChqzorHtwUow0Ngxke33zm0wsxAvK8<\/u><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.<\/p>\n

Please also e-mail<\/span>\u00a0padg@case.edu<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0if you have questions about arrangements or any suggestions. Or call at 216 368-2426 and we’ll try to get back to you. We are very pleased to be partnering this semester with the<\/span>\u00a0Siegal Lifelong Learning Program<\/u><\/span><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to share information about the discussions.<\/p>\n

Best wishes for safety and security for you and yours,<\/p>\n

Joe White
\nLuxenberg Family Professor of Public Policy and Director, Center for Policy Studies<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

About Our Guest<\/span><\/h3>\n

Kalle Lyytinen<\/strong>\u00a0is the Iris S. Wolstein Professor of Management Design; chair and professor, design and innovation; and faculty director, doctor of management program. Lyytinen\u2019s research helps define how rapidly changing digital innovations shape organizations. His work helps organizations know how to identify, absorb, manage, implement and be transformed by digital innovations. His recent projects have focused on engineering practices, telecommunications and software development organizations. Lyytinen studies the adoption of new technologies, new forms of collaboration, and new ways to determine system requirements.<\/p>\n

Lyytinen joined the Weatherhead School of Management faculty in 2001. Since then his teaching interests have focused on digital innovation theory, new business venturing, design theory and methods, research methods and theory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Schedule of Friday Lunch Upcoming Topics and Speakers:<\/strong><\/p>\n

October 6: COVID-\u201923 and Beyond.<\/strong>\u00a0With\u00a0David H. Canaday, MD<\/strong>, Professor of Infectious Disease and Associate Director of Research for the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Cleveland VA.<\/p>\n

October 13: To Be Determined.<\/strong>\u00a0Alternate Room: Mather House 100<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

October 20: One Semester Away from Crisis: Small Colleges and American Higher Education.<\/strong>\u00a0With\u00a0Tom Bogart, Ph.D.<\/strong>, Visiting Professor and Chair, Department of Economics.\u00a0Alternate Room: Mather House 100<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

October 27: Storefronts, Communities, and the Changing World of Retail.<\/strong>\u00a0With\u00a0Michael Goldberg<\/strong>, Associate Professor of Design and Innovation; Executive Director and Associate Vice President, Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n

November 3: Dobbs and Doctors.<\/strong>\u00a0With\u00a0David N. Hackney MD<\/strong>, Division Director, Maternal Fetal Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland.<\/p>\n

November 10: Who\u2019s Legally Responsible When \u201cSelf-Driving\u201d Cars Go \u201cEyes Off?\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0With\u00a0Cassandra Burke Robertson, JD<\/strong>, John Deaver Drinko \u2013 BakerHostetler Professor of Law.<\/p>\n

November 17: Axios Cleveland and the Future of Local Media.<\/strong>\u00a0With\u00a0Sam Allard<\/strong>, reporter for Axios Cleveland.<\/p>\n

November 24: Thanksgiving Break<\/strong><\/p>\n

December 1: Civil-Military Relations in Egypt.<\/strong>\u00a0With\u00a0Dina Rashed, Ph.D.<\/strong>, Associate Dean of the College for Academic Affairs, University of Chicago.<\/p>\n

December 8: To Be Determined.<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Visit the\u00a0Public Affairs Discussion Group Web Site.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Center for Policy Studies | Mather House 111 | 11201 Euclid Avenue |
\nCleveland, Ohio 44106-7109 |\u00a0Phone: 216.368.6730 |\u00a0padg@case.edu<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0|
\nPart of the:\u00a0College of Arts and Sciences<\/u><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a9 2023 Case Western Reserve University |
\nCleveland, Ohio 44106 | 216.368.2000 |\u00a0legal notice<\/u><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Center for Policy Studies
\nPublic Affairs Discussion Group<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why Not to Panic About A.I.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kalle Lyytinen, Ph.D. – Iris S. Wolstein Professor of Management Design<\/strong><\/p>\n

Friday September 29, 2023
\n12:30-1:30 p.m.
\nMeeting Both In-Person and by Zoom<\/strong>
\nAlternate Room: Mather House 100<\/strong>
\nCase Western Reserve University<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Colleagues:<\/p>\n

It\u2019s about time the \u201cFriday Lunch\u201d addressed controversies about \u201cA.I.\u201d I promise I wrote this explanation myself.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The launch of ChatGPT by\u00a0OpenAI<\/a>\u00a0on November 30,<\/p>\n

Continue reading… Why Not to Panic About A.I.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1285"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1285"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1285\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1287,"href":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1285\/revisions\/1287"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1285"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artsci.case.edu\/fridaylunch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}