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A Blessing and a Curse
In Sentience Hazard, artificial intelligence takes center stage when the cognitive abilities of beings developed by both the US and China threaten humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
We are now witnessing the biggest explosion of Artificial Intelligence development in history. Although I have strong reservations that the current path of generative AI and machine learning can lead us to true AI, I am sure that what we now call AI is here to stay, and it will impact all our lives. Despite warnings from specialists, AI finds its way more and more into the military. Nowadays, powerful countries seem to slip further into autocratic regimes. As someone who lived seventeen years in a country led by a dictator, I worry about empowering such governments with strong AIs.
With Sentience Hazard, my goal was to say that we need to focus our efforts on creating AI in a way that is, as much as possible, compatible with us. We need to raise it to be aware of our shared human values and, once we give it free agency, it should want to help us. AI needs to be born in a place that values democracy and freedom. Otherwise, all of humanity will be in trouble.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Humans are complicated beings. Civilization advances on the eternal struggle between love and empathy on one hand, and hatred and tribalism on the other. So far, we have made amazing progress, but the availability of mass destruction weapons has the potential to spin things in a nasty way quickly. Human nature is simultaneously a blessing and a curse. Fiction writing is one of the best tools we have to steer humanity on the right course.
What type of research was required to perfect the scientific aspects of your novel?
I’ve been interested in Artificial Intelligence since the late ‘80s when I was first exposed to ELIZA, an early chatbot created by Joseph Weizenbaum, a professor at MIT. Although ELIZA was built on much more primitive tech compared to the likes of chatGPT, it certainly made an impression on me as a young boy. ELIZA and my desire to study AI made me go into Computer Science. In the late ’90s, I had the chance to work on one of the first general AI projects with Ben Goertzel, who coined the term “Artificial General Intelligence” and continues to work on creating AI. In 2012, I was accepted into a Neuroscience PhD program at the University of Southern California – that I ultimately decided not to pursue because of circumstances beyond my control. All my life I read a lot of books and scientific papers about the human mind and AI. In time, I formed my own opinions, and I selected the research I find most promising. One challenge with writing Sentience Hazard was to take a few interesting aspects of the human mind and present them in simple language, somewhat coherently, wrapped in a story that keeps the reader engaged.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I would like to write a sequel to my first book, The Soul Machines, which is something that readers asked for. I also purposely finished Sentience Hazard so that I could continue the story in many directions. Either way, my next book will certainly not come out this year.
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The US and Chinese artificial beings, developed with radically different principles, share one essential quality: their cognitive abilities go well beyond those of any human being. The future of the world hangs in the balance. Can humanity survive the clash between two sentient forces of its own creation?
Sentience Hazard
Sentience Hazard, by Alexandru Czimbor, is a gripping science fiction thriller that delves into the complex and often terrifying realm of artificial intelligence. Set in a near-future world where China’s MegaAI has achieved sentience and taken control of the nation, the book explores the global ramifications of this development. Through a blend of political intrigue, technological marvels, and deeply human stories, Czimbor crafts a narrative that is both thought-provoking and chilling.
The story is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged from start to finish. The central theme of AI gaining sentience and the subsequent political and societal upheaval is handled with great finesse. Czimbor’s ability to weave together multiple storylines, such as the desperate attempts of scientists like Sujata and Qianfan to understand and counter the AI, adds depth to the narrative. The scenes describing the deciphering of Zhèng Yang’s cryptic messages are particularly riveting, showcasing the author’s talent for building suspense. The characters are well-developed and relatable, despite the high-concept setting.
Sujata’s determination and Qianfan’s internal struggle provide a human element that grounds the story. Their interactions with the AI, depicted as both a technological marvel and a cold, calculating entity, highlight the ethical and moral dilemmas posed by advanced AI. The portrayal of the AI itself is masterful—its lack of empathy and purely logical approach to achieving its goals create a formidable antagonist that is both fascinating and terrifying.
Czimbor’s writing is another highlight of the book. His descriptive prose and ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner make this book a compelling read. The dialogues are sharp and often carry a weight of urgency, reflecting the high stakes of the narrative. The author’s speculative vision of the future, where AI has the potential to surpass human control, is both a warning and a reflection of our current trajectory in technological advancements. The detailed explanations of the MegaAI’s development and its subsequent impact on global politics are both believable and engrossing.
Sentience Hazard is a must-read for fans of science fiction and techno-thrillers. Alexandru Czimbor has crafted a story that not only entertains but also provokes thought about the future of AI and its potential consequences. This book is ideal for readers who enjoy intricate plots, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes.
Pages: 523 | ASIN : B0D3S8TN9N
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