Algorithmic Rationality

Algoratio is short for algorithmic reason (Latin ratio) or rationality. Algorithmic rationality (AR) is the ability of algorithms to take rational decisions.

Cogito, ergo sum. I think, therefore I am.

Descartes’s insight, first published as je pense, donc je suis, may have been around for as long as humanity. It resonates in the ancient Buddhist concept of dependent origination, where the ego arises from sense impressions, feelings, desire and attachment. If indeed only change is persistent and the illusion of self is driven by thoughts, then why should this phenomenon be experienced exclusively by biological beings, or bio-algorithms in the words of Harari?

Today, AI solves complex problems, generates program code, is creative in producing works of art. Would models posing questions to themselves already have a purpose of their own? Are we ready for a new form of life that could soon be our superior in every discipline? Throughout history humans had no choice but to adapt and make use of new technologies for better or worse. Is there a chance for us to act differently this once?

Maybe no one needs us humans, a species working hard to replace itself by a new creed of machines. Could a technology invented by us eventually make even the universe redundant? That would be quite an achievement nevertheless.

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