HUMAN beings, scientifically known as Homo sapiens, are different from all other species. Unlike elephants and blue whales, human beings may not have the largest brains, but they possess advanced cognitive potential, allowing them to think intelligently and utilize information to adapt to society. This is a significant factor that has allowed humans to thrive. Humans invented computers to extend their capabilities and improve efficiency in important tasks. However, computers remain reliant on explicit instructions from humans to operate effectively. Artificial intelligence is no exception to this. Artificial intelligence has the power to solve complex problems, surpass humans in challenging games, and even achieve comprehension of various languages. This has led to remarkable social, political, and economic advancements. Artificial intelligence can greatly benefit humanity across different sectors, but it also has limitations.
While humans possess unparalleled qualities such as self-awareness, critical thinking, and intuition, artificial intelligence (AI) predominantly excels in processing extensive amounts of information. Humans have the remarkable ability to adapt and learn from both information and experiences, often relying on intuition to navigate situations where logic alone may not suffice. The complexities of morality and ethics, which vary across different cultures and societies, pose significant challenges for AI decision-making. Although AI demonstrates proficiency in handling factual data, it inherently lacks the nuanced and intuitive judgment inherent in human decision-making processes.
Additionally, emotions, unlike robots, drive humans and can inspire creativity, empathy, and motivation. Nevertheless, emotions have the potential to obscure rational thinking, making it necessary for humans to cultivate emotional intelligence to manage them adeptly. By leveraging emotional intelligence, logic, and reason, humans can experience growth in their endeavours. Conversely, artificial intelligence lacks emotional intelligence, which hinders its ability to empathize, show compassion, and form emotional connections with humans in crucial decision-making situations. For example, in a no-escape accident scenario, an AI-driven car may not always prioritize saving a human due to its lack of emotional capacity to make decisions that benefit humans.
In critical situations, the human brain relies on its senses and stored knowledge to perceive and make decisions. Despite its ability to amass vast data, artificial intelligence cannot utilize real-time sensory input like humans for decision-making. Artificial intelligence is being used more and more in medicine to provide doctors with valuable assistance in precise and efficient diagnoses. Nonetheless, AI currently lacks the empathetic qualities and nuanced human factor considerations that experienced doctors possess. The experience of being a doctor enables one to truly empathize with the agony and pain felt by patients. Artificial intelligence falls short in comparison to humans when it comes to providing comfort to those in extreme physical and mental pain.
Humans excel at using their past experiences and general knowledge to navigate new situations. They can draw on this background knowledge to make predictions and adapt quickly. While artificial intelligence may struggle with tasks requiring common-sense reasoning at present, the field is constantly evolving. AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data could lead to advancements in this area. One key difference between humans and artificial intelligence is how they understand the world. Humans possess a well-rounded understanding due to their ability to learn from experiences and use common sense.
The ability to comprehend the world is a crucial aspect of intelligence, and humans excel in this area due to common sense and experience. However, intelligence encompasses various aspects. AI demonstrates impressive capabilities in processing information and solving specific problems, showcasing a different kind of intelligence. While artificial intelligence may struggle with tasks requiring common-sense reasoning at present, it can be a valuable tool in the education sector. AI can personalize learning experiences, analyze vast amounts of educational data to identify student needs, and even provide automated feedback. Human beings tend to form sound judgments through their interactions with each other. They can communicate deep messages through their silence. Only a human can decipher the true meaning of silence in this message. It takes a human to truly comprehend the reality behind cases involving trauma or a person’s decision to stay silent. Artificial intelligence falls short in assessing the reasons behind such situations, making it inferior to humans in aiding humanity.
Artificial intelligence excels at specific tasks, as demonstrated by its prowess in games, knowledge retrieval, and even medical analysis. However, it currently lacks the human qualities of empathy, common sense, and emotional intelligence. This is where humans shine. The future may lie in collaboration, where AI enhances human capabilities and humans provide the aspects AI currently lacks. Consequently, humans remain a powerful force due to their well-rounded intelligence, which includes empathy, common sense, the ability to adapt, and a capacity for intuitive understanding that complements AI’s strengths. Human beings cannot be outmatched by AI in all areas of life. Human beings maintain a substantial advantage over AI in numerous crucial areas of life. Allowing AI to surpass humans in areas where humans excel would be a disaster. The optimal approach involves integrating AI to support humans in advancing the greater good.
Thus, the utilization of AI can enhance human capabilities, resulting in superior performance in diverse areas. In fields that permit and require it, humans can enhance their performance and efficiency through external assistance. The capability of AI to support doctors, engineers, and other experts in addressing current challenges is remarkable. In the same way, this collaboration has the potential to yield favourable outcomes in every aspect of life. By combining AI and human creativity, we can achieve greater efficiency, improved healthcare, reduced poverty, and a sustainable future. It will reveal a promising future for the world’s inhabitants.
—The writer is an educationist and a Commoner from 44th Common, based in Sargodha.
Email: [email protected]
