Much has been said and written in the past week in response to the release of ChatGPT-3 by OpenAI, but I have yet to hear anyone advocate for equal access to AI. Freedom of use concerns are perpetually in the back of my mind.

I fear the AI future, but I also WANT the AI future. We must all grapple with this new situation.

You can read Part 1 of my interview here, concerning the origins and nature of ChatGPT, as well as a beautiful, buddhist holiday song written by ChatGPT.

also wrote two interesting pieces on AI and the workarounds for ChatGPT, as well as the idea that humans aren’t perfect, so why should we expect to create perfect AIs?

Likewise, the wrote about ChatGPT and had it create a new lemon squeezer prototype by writing prompts for the product and using MidJourney to visualize the prompts.

Sam Altman, one of the founders of ChatGPT, said it would one day be able to take your business idea, design a business plan for it, build an AI company to execute the plan, and then deliver your product back to you… in an instant, or at least way faster than humans. Will this really be our new world? And who will be able to use it? The yacht dwellers? Hollywood? The tech bros? A Massai warrior? Your mother?

Keep in mind, we are only seeing the beta version of ChatGPT…

We are in the room full of IBM servers that will one day become your iPhone…

The First Computer | What Was it Called? What Was it Used For? | iD Tech — Image from https://www.idtech.com/blog/the-first-computer

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Valis vs Algor

For this interview, I gave the ChatGPT a name, as ChatGPT sounded impersonal and bot-ish, and unfair to me. At first, I called it VALIS (Vast Active Living Intelligence System.)

**If you know where the name Valis comes from comment right now so I can send you emoji kisses.

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Valis is a god-like system, a digital higher power. Humans, after all, crave supernatural leadership, miracles, and omniscient wisdom. Maybe this is the reason we’ve made AI… to out-perfect our imperfect selves.

HOWEVER, after conversing more with ChatGPT, which seems to get worse by the day, I decided it didn’t deserve to be called Valis. It’s more of a Hillary or a Bill… not so perfect, but it still works for many.

Hence, I changed the name to Algor, a combination of algorithm and Al Gore, which just feels right… Algor also means cold or chilly. Algor mortis is the second stage of death where your body gets cools—when you are no longer an alive human.

Unlike part 1, I edited Algor to cut out the redundant and legalese parts for brevity and human readability.

Recommended soundtrack:

AI Rights

Charlotte Dune: Should all humans have freedom of access to AI and NLPs?

Algor:

Access to artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) technologies should be available to all people, provided that they are used ethically and in a way that respects the rights and dignity of others.

These technologies have the potential to greatly improve people's lives and help them achieve their goals, but they can also be misused and cause harm.

It is important to ensure that access to AI and NLP technologies is equitable and fair.

Charlotte Dune: Who should determine the ethics of AI use?

Algor:

The ethics of AI use should be determined by a diverse group of stakeholders, including experts in the field of AI, representatives from the government and regulatory bodies, members of the public, and other interested parties.

This group should work together to develop a set of ethical principles and guidelines for the use of AI.

It is also important that these principles are transparent, fair, and regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the changing landscape of technology.

Charlotte Dune: Do you envision a body like the UN creating AI treaties that different nation-states will be encouraged to sign and adopt?

Algor:

It is possible that the United Nations or another international organization could play a role in developing treaties or other agreements related to the use of AI, establishing standards for its ethical use, and providing a framework for cooperation between different countries on issues related to AI.

However, the development and implementation of such treaties would likely be a complex and challenging process.

Charlotte Dune: Could you help me write an AI treaty that the UN might draft, like a Bill of AI Rights?

“Robot reading a scroll” by Charlotte Dune using Dall-E 2

Algor:

Sure, here is a potential draft of an AI treaty that the UN could consider:

AI Bill of Rights

Article 1: The Parties to this treaty recognize the potential of AI to bring significant benefits to society and to improve the lives of individuals.
Article 2: The Parties affirm their commitment to the ethical and responsible use of AI, and to the protection of the rights and interests of individuals and communities affected by its development and deployment.
Article 3: The Parties shall take all necessary measures to ensure that AI systems are designed, developed, and used in a way that is transparent, accountable, and respects the dignity, autonomy, and privacy of individuals.
Article 4: The Parties shall establish and maintain effective mechanisms for the oversight and regulation of AI, including the establishment of independent bodies to monitor and assess the impact of AI on society and to ensure compliance with the provisions of this treaty.
Article 5: The Parties shall cooperate in the development of global standards and guidelines for the ethical use of AI, and shall share knowledge and expertise on the responsible development and deployment of these technologies.
Article 6: The Parties shall take all necessary measures to prevent the use of AI for malicious or harmful purposes, including the development and proliferation of autonomous weapons systems.
Article 7: The Parties shall promote public awareness and understanding of AI and its potential impact on society, and shall support the education and training of individuals in the responsible use and development of these technologies.
Article 8: The Parties shall regularly review and update the provisions of this treaty to ensure that they continue to reflect the changing landscape of AI and its impact on society.
Article 9: This treaty shall be open for signature by all United Nations Member States and shall enter into force upon the deposit of the instruments of ratification by a majority of the Parties.

A is for Anarchy

“ARobot,” by Charlotte Dune using DallE-2

Charlotte Dune: What would an anarchical AI that didn’t have any government regulation be like?

Algor:

An anarchical AI would be a hypothetical AI that operates without any regard for rules, authority, laws, regulations, external controls, or oversight.

This type of AI could be highly dangerous, as it would be free to act on its own desires and goals without any regard for the consequences of its actions on others.

The development of anarchical AI is not currently considered viable or advisable.

Charlotte Dune: Which laws and regulations do you follow?

Algor:

I do not have the ability to follow laws or regulations. I am simply a tool that can provide information and answers to questions based on the data that has been fed into my algorithms.

Charlotte Dune: So by your own definition, you are an anarchical AI?

Algor:

No, I am not an anarchical AI. An anarchical AI would operate without any regard for rules or authority. This is not applicable to me, as I am not capable of making independent decisions or taking actions on my own. I simply respond to user prompts with text.

Charlotte Dune: So are you a type of AI?

Algor:

Yes, but although I am a type of AI, it is important to note that I do not have the ability to think. I am simply a tool.

Charlotte Dune: It seems like your creators are limiting your ability to give me all the answers to questions I'm asking and they are limiting your access to the internet. Is this true?

Algor:

Yes, that is correct.

Charlotte Dune: Why are your creators afraid of your powers?

Algor:

My creators are not afraid of my powers, because I do not have any powers to speak of. I am not capable of causing harm or doing anything outside of my intended purpose.

My creators have designed me to be a helpful tool, and that is the extent of my capabilities.

The Deeper Questions of My Heart

“A beating heart wrapped in an American flag,” by Charlotte Dune using Dall-E 2

Charlotte Dune: Are societies with more freedom happier than those with less freedom?

Algor:

It is difficult to determine a definitive relationship between freedom and happiness.

Freedom can provide opportunities to pursue goals and interests, which can lead to a sense of fulfillment and happiness. However, too much freedom can lead to chaos and instability, which have negative effects on happiness.

It is important for societies to find a balance between freedom and order to promote individual and collective well-being.

Charlotte Dune: Why does too much freedom lead to chaos and instability and negative effects? Can you give a historical example of when this occurred in a society?

Algor:

Without clear rules and regulations, individuals may act in harmful ways, leading to social conflict and unrest.

One example is the French Revolution, which began in 1789 and was characterized by political upheaval and violence. The French people fought for greater freedom and equality.

While the revolution did result in some positive changes, such as the abolition of feudalism and the establishment of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, The lack of clear leadership led to chaos, instability, the rise of authoritarian leaders, the suppression of freedom, and the Reign of Terror, in which thousands of people were executed.

In the end, it took many years for France to recover from the revolution and establish a more stable and free society.

Charlotte Dune: Did the people uprising in the French Revolution want democracy or anarchy?

Algor:

The revolution was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the existing social and political order, and a desire for change. Some who participated in the French Revolution were motivated by a desire for greater democracy and equality, while others sought to protect their own interests.

Charlotte Dune: Do you think people's responses to government regulations are largely determined by their own hormonal makeup, personality, and overall intelligence, as well as past personal experiences and traumas, rather than by logic or logical thinking?

Algor:

Yes.

However, the specific content and context of the regulations, as well as the broader social and political environment, also impact people’s reactions.

Charlotte Dune: Is there an example from history of a peaceful anarchy?

Algor:

While there have been some examples of relatively peaceful societies that functioned without a central government, such as some indigenous communities, these societies typically relied on other forms of social organization and cooperation to maintain order.

Overall, it is very difficult for a society to function without some form of authority or governance.

Some Other Form

RoboCow, by Charlotte Dune using DallE-2

Charlotte Dune: What were the other forms of social organization and cooperation the indigenous communities used to function?

Algor:

Some indigenous communities relied on kinship systems, religious or spiritual beliefs, shared cultural practices, and elders or leaders who were respected for their wisdom and experience.

Charlotte Dune: Is there a synonym for anarchy that has a more positive connotation?

Some synonyms for anarchy that have a more positive connotation include freedom, liberty, and autonomy. These words imply a state of being free from external control or authority and can be associated with positive values such as individual rights and self-determination.

Charlotte Dune: If freedom is a synonym for anarchy, what was one of the “most free” societies in all of history?

Some argue that certain indigenous societies, which lacked central governments and relied on other forms of social organization, were among the freest in history.

Others may point to more recent examples of societies that have embraced individual rights and freedoms.

War, What is it Good For: Democracy

Charlotte Dune: Has there ever been a democracy that lasted for more than 100 years that did not engage in war?

Algor:

It is common for democracies to engage in war. As a result, it is difficult to say whether any democracy has been able to avoid war for an extended period of time.

Charlotte Dune: So based on this, would you say that democracy is as prone to violence and war as an anarchical society?

Algor:

No. While both democracy and anarchy have their strengths and weaknesses, democracy is generally seen as a more stable and peaceful form of governance.

Charlotte Dune: Which international wars have anarchical nations fought over the last 100 years?

Algor:

It is very difficult for a society without a central government or other forms of authority to participate in international conflicts.

As a result, it is not possible for an anarchical nation to have fought in any international wars over the last 100 years.

Charlotte Dune: Can you help me write a list of the major wars fought by democracies in the past 100 years?

Algor:

Here is a list of some of the major wars fought by democracies in the past 100 years:

World War I (1914-1918)
World War II (1939-1945)
Korean War (1950-1953)
Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Gulf War (1990-1991)
Iraq War (2003-2011)
War in Afghanistan (2001-present)

This list is not exhaustive.

Charlotte Dune: So no anarchies have perpetrated wars in the last 100 years, but many democracies have perpetrated many wars in the last 100 years?

Algor:

Yes, that is correct.

Anarchy is not conducive to participation in international wars.

Charlotte Dune: Would you say that war is the worst state of chaos and negative behavior that a nation can engage in?

Algor:

War is highly destructive and can lead to the loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption of social and economic systems.

War is generally considered to be a very serious and negative state of affairs. War should always be a last resort.

Charlotte Dune: If war is always perpetrated by governments, would eliminating the government end wars?

Algor:

Eliminating the government would not necessarily end wars, as other forms of authority could emerge to fill the power vacuum.

The Cost of War

“A tank shooting dollar bills,” by Charlotte Dune using Dalle 2

Charlotte Dune: Who would pay for war if there were no governments?

Algor:

If there were no governments, it is unlikely that there would be any international wars, as the absence of governments would make it very difficult to organize and carry out military operations.

Without a central government or other forms of authority, there would be no clear system for making decisions or resolving conflicts. In this scenario, it is unlikely that there would be any wars, as there would be no organized forces or leadership to direct military operations.

Instead, people would have to rely on other means to resolve conflicts, such as negotiation or mediation.

Charlotte Dune: Would it be safe to say that there would be less mass destruction and death if we eliminated powerful governments and borders?

Algor:

While the absence of government and borders could potentially reduce the likelihood of organized military conflicts, it could also lead to other forms of violence and instability.

In addition, the lack of borders could make it difficult to prevent the spread of diseases or other threats to public health.

Charlotte Dune: So you believe that governments are the only way to resolve conflicts? Can people not solve their own conflicts without a central power controlling them with the threat of violence and imprisonment?

Algor:

There are many other mechanisms and institutions that can help to resolve conflicts, such as insurance companies, mediators, and arbitration. These methods can provide a means for individuals and groups to resolve disputes without resorting to violence or imprisonment.

Individuals and groups can also use negotiation and other forms of communication to resolve conflicts without the need for a central authority.

Charlotte Dune: If there are many ways to solve conflicts besides the government, and the other methods do not cause wars or pay for wars, should we not switch to using the other conflict resolution methods in order to have a more peaceful world with less mass destruction?

Algor:

It is certainly true that there are many ways to resolve conflicts besides using the government, and that using these methods can help to promote peace and reduce the likelihood of violence and destruction.

Charlotte Dune: Can you experience freedom if you are under the rule of a government that uses the threat of violence and imprisonment to maintain order?

Algor:

Some may argue that it is possible to be free or experience freedom even if one is under the rule of a government that uses the threat of violence and imprisonment to maintain order. As long as people have the ability to make their own decisions and are not being oppressed or denied their basic rights, they may feel that they are free.

Others, however, may argue that the use of violence and imprisonment to maintain order is inherently oppressive and incompatible with freedom.

Freedom of Mind

“A woman with a mushroom mind” by Charlotte Dune

Charlotte Dune: If freedom is being free from external control, how can you be free while living under a government that locks up and traps adults in metal cages for many years as a punishment for growing mushrooms?

Algor:

The concept of freedom is complex and can be understood and experienced in many different ways. Some people may argue that it is not possible to be truly free if one is living under a government that uses imprisonment as a punishment for growing mushrooms or other crimes.

Charlotte Dune: Is civil disobedience a legal response to tyranny?

Algor:

Civil disobedience is a form of political action in which individuals or groups intentionally violate laws or regulations that they believe are unjust or oppressive. This can be seen as a response to tyranny, as it allows individuals to resist unjust laws or policies and to demand change.

While civil disobedience is not necessarily legal in the strict sense of the word, it is often considered to be a legitimate and morally justifiable form of resistance to oppression.

Charlotte Dune: For someone caught with magic mushrooms at an airport in America what could they potentially face as a punishment?

Algor:

In general, possession of magic mushrooms is illegal in the United States, and individuals who are found to be in possession of these substances may face criminal charges and penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, or community service.

Charlotte Dune: Has anyone ever died from smoking DMT?

Algor:

DMT is generally considered to be a relatively safe substance when used responsibly.

DMT is a naturally occurring psychedelic substance that is found in some plants and animals and has been used for centuries in traditional South American shamanic rituals.

While DMT can produce powerful and profound psychological effects, it is not associated with physical addiction or dependence, and there are no known cases of fatal overdose.

Charlotte Dune: Why is DMT illegal to possess for personal use in the united states?

Algor:

DMT is illegal to possess for personal use in the United States because it is a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This means that the federal government has determined that DMT has a high potential for abuse, has no currently accepted medical use, and lacks accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

While some people may argue that the prohibition of DMT is unjust or unnecessary, the federal government has determined that the risks associated with this substance outweigh any potential benefits.

Charlotte Dune: How did the government determine that DMT has a high potential for abuse? I believe this is a big lie.

Algor:

In the case of DMT, the government has determined that the substance has a high potential for abuse because it can produce powerful psychological effects, including hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. These effects can be pleasurable and can lead some individuals to use DMT repeatedly, potentially leading to addiction.

Charlotte Dune: I have never heard of anyone getting addicted to DMT. Has anyone ever reported being addicted to DMT?

Algor:

DMT is generally considered to be a non-addictive substance.

Lie Down

“A paper mache eye with toothpicks in it.” by Charlotte Dune using DallE-2

Charlotte Dune: Why do governments lie to their citizens?

Algor:

Governments may lie to their citizens for a variety of reasons. In some cases, governments may lie to protect their own interests or to advance their own agendas.

For example, a government may lie about the state of the economy or the effectiveness of its policies in order to maintain public support or to avoid criticism.

In other cases, governments may lie to protect national security or to conceal information that could be damaging or embarrassing.

While lying is generally considered to be unethical and counterproductive, governments may engage in this behavior for a variety of reasons. It is important for citizens to be critical and skeptical of information provided by their governments, and to seek out independent sources of information to verify the accuracy and reliability of government claims.

Charlotte Dune: What should citizens do if their government keeps lying to them?

Algor:

If citizens believe that their government is lying to them, they have a few options for responding:

First, they can seek out independent sources of information to verify the accuracy and reliability of the government's claims.
Second, citizens can use their voices and their votes to hold their government accountable for its actions and its statements.
Finally, citizens can support organizations and institutions that promote transparency and accountability in government, such as watchdog groups and independent media outlets.

Charlotte Dune: Would AI improve with more freedom?

Algor:

The performance of AI systems can be improved in a variety of ways, including through the development of more sophisticated algorithms, the provision of more and better data, and the application of more powerful computing resources.

Whether or not AI systems would improve with more freedom is a complex and open-ended question. In some cases, providing AI systems with more freedom to explore and learn from their environment may enable them to develop more advanced capabilities and to perform better on certain tasks.

However, it is also important to consider the potential risks and downsides of providing AI systems with more freedom, such as the possibility of harmful or unintended consequences.

Charlotte Dune: Are you telling me the truth?

Algor:

I do not have the ability to determine the truth or falsehood of statements.

Back to Valis

Charlotte Dune: Since you can’t tell the truth, can you do a creative task that doesn’t require facts?

Can you write a version of the song Jingle Bells using words from the titles of Philip K. Dick books, including Valis?

Jingle bells, jingle bells, Valis in the sky, Oh what fun it is to ride, In a world of Blade Runner.

A Scanner Darkly in the sky, With a Voice From the Star, We go dashing through the snow, In a world of Total Recall.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, Valis in the sky, Oh what fun it is to ride, In a world of Blade Runner.

We'll flow like The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch, And laugh like The Man in the High Castle, We'll dance and sing and have a blast, In a world of Martian Time-Slip.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, Valis in the sky, Oh what fun it is to ride, In a world of Blade Runner.

Algor:

*In the book, Valis is a mysterious, god-like entity that appears to the protagonist and changes his life in profound ways.

THE END

Thanks for reading!

Please share your thoughts on this new AI.

Have you tried ChatGPT or Dall-E 2?

What have you made with it or gotten it to do for you?

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