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AI philosopher: artificial intelligence should first study cells instead of brains
[NetEase Smart News, August 29] Since the beginning, we’ve always been told that intelligence and the brain are inseparable. Intelligence, often regarded as an informal synonym for intellect, has been consistently metaphorized as the brain in discussions about talent and wisdom. Naturally, as technology advanced, the goal of replicating human intelligence in machines became to simulate the brain in artificial intelligence.
But what if this assumption is flawed? What if the entire discourse about creating a “neural network†and a robotic brain is a misguided effort? Perhaps, instead of focusing on the brain, we’ve been neglecting something much simpler yet profound—smaller cells.
This counterintuitive approach is the brainchild of Ben Medlock, a unique thinker in the AI space. As the founder of SwiftKey—a company renowned for using machine learning algorithms to enhance smartphone keyboards—his day-to-day work revolves around making existing digital tools smarter. Yet, Medlock isn’t just another technologist; he’s an AI philosopher.
“I live a double life,†Medlock admits. “On one hand, I collaborate with SwiftKey to apply AI in practical ways. This is my day job. But I also spend a significant amount of time contemplating the philosophical implications of AI and what intelligence truly means.â€
Medlock’s radical proposition is this: rather than modeling AI after the brain, we should look at the human body as an “incredible machine†built from trillions of individual cells. These cells, he argues, are far more efficient and flexible than neurons in a neural network.
“Cells are information-processing machines,†Medlock explains. “They’re like microscopic computers that communicate with each other. Think of the human body as an extraordinary network of billions of independent machines working together.â€
This perspective challenges the conventional wisdom of AI research, which has long revered the brain as the ultimate model of intelligence. Neural networks, for instance, mimic the structure of neurons and synapses, despite lacking the brain's full complexity.
Medlock points out that this analogy overlooks a crucial gap: current AI systems struggle to match human intelligence. Researchers today focus on breaking down complex tasks into smaller components, training machines to excel in specific areas. While this incremental progress makes machines appear “smarter,†it doesn’t reflect how humans operate.
“Humans don’t think in isolated tasks,†Medlock insists. “Instead, cells function as interconnected units. Each cell processes data and communicates with others to adapt to its environment.â€
To illustrate his point, Medlock draws parallels to the process of DNA replication. Contrary to earlier assumptions that genetic mutations were random errors, scientists now understand that cells possess precise mechanisms to correct errors during replication. This suggests a sophisticated system of self-correction and adaptation—an insight Medlock believes could revolutionize AI.
“Intelligence isn’t about playing chess or understanding language,†Medlock says. “It’s the ability to process environmental data and act accordingly. Cells are the origin of all organic intelligence—they’re data-processing machines.â€
Medlock envisions AI systems modeled after this cellular framework, equipped with the capacity to learn, adapt, and innovate. Such machines would not merely perform predefined tasks but possess the flexibility and creativity characteristic of human intelligence.
Of course, this raises ethical concerns. Medlock acknowledges the risks of creating AI that mimics human consciousness. “We must tread carefully,†he warns. “While AI can solve specific problems, we must also consider the broader implications for ethics, law, and human rights.â€
Despite these challenges, Medlock remains optimistic. He sees potential in self-driving vehicles as a starting point. Imagine cars not just detecting obstacles but sensing textures, temperature, and even emotions. These machines could evolve beyond transportation, becoming versatile tools for human interaction.
In the end, Medlock’s vision transcends mere technology—it redefines the relationship between humans and machines. By shifting the metaphor from the brain to the cell, he opens new avenues for AI development. Whether this path leads to sentient robots or something entirely novel remains to be seen, but Medlock’s ideas are undeniably thought-provoking.
As Medlock reflects, “AI is still in its infancy. We have the chance to shape its future, but we must proceed with caution and curiosity.â€