Section 1.1: The Link Between CHI and AI/ANI

To effectively address the question, "What is Collective Human Intelligence (CHI) and how does it relate to AI/ANI?", a direct comparison between Aristotle and a contemporary large language model (LLM) such as ChatGPT-3.5 proves insightful. Both emerged as responses to a common issue: the limitation of individual reading capacity. Aristotle painstakingly consumed the philosophical texts of his era, while ChatGPT was developed through the ingestion of vast amounts of textual data into advanced computational systems.

Both Aristotle and ChatGPT-3.5 owe their existence to an insatiable thirst for knowledge. However, Aristotle was a human being, embodying both strengths and flaws. His pursuit of knowledge was guided by personal interests, first as a disciple of Plato and later as a teacher at the Lyceum, a school he established. His humanity, coupled with its inherent mortality, allowed him to contribute to an ongoing legacy of knowledge.

Conversely, ChatGPT lacks the capacity for self-preservation or the mortality intrinsic to human life, a concept referred to as "dasein" by Heidegger. Despite his controversial legacy, Heidegger’s ideas on existence and essence remain significant, particularly when considering the implications of LLMs. Without a self-sustaining drive, models like ChatGPT are fundamentally reactive, lacking intrinsic motivation.

Kant posited that machines cannot engage in moral action since they lack the capacity for action itself; algorithms possess neither corporeal form nor will. The insights of historical philosophers have inadvertently led us to this juncture, where the essence of AI is rooted in language, devoid of personal intent or humor. Instead, the meaning and actions generated by ChatGPT stem entirely from user input.

In addressing our initial query, it is essential to define CHI as a tapestry woven from human thoughts and experiences, accessible to others. Rather than a futuristic technology, CHI is the very foundation of philosophy, predating written language. The innovation lies in refining how we interface with language today, enabling modern minds to explore ideas extensively.

Unlike humans, AI or ANI cannot produce high-quality CHI based on lived experiences. It is crucial to distinguish CHI from the outputs generated by AI systems, as quality CHI is grounded in human provenance. The more context we have about an individual's life, the richer their contribution becomes within the collective knowledge we share through culture and language.

Section 1.2: The Evolution of Information

Since the time of Thales, who used information to predict grain shortages and reap financial rewards, narratives have gained unprecedented power. The stories we craft about our world have evolved, possessing an enduring quality that transcends the minds that created them.

The universality of language has become a powerful tool, capable of modeling complex phenomena, from neural connections within the brain to the intricate web of global economic relationships. While imperfect, this representational system enables minds to extract value from written communication, opening the door to countless possibilities.

This section emphasizes how the written word unlocks opportunities in literate societies. We often overlook the significance of this web of meaning, even as we discuss it, leading some to mistakenly attribute consciousness to AI systems. Such perspectives pose risks to AI development and, by extension, to the CHI that fuels it. The objective of CHI is to solve real-world problems, driven by a desire to innovate and improve lives—a goal that has been pursued through centuries of scientific exploration.

The foundation of human relationships rests on the objectivity of the CHI accessed through literature, art, music, and education. Our cognitive processes, facilitated by rational thought, reveal the complexities of human cognition, which cannot be neatly categorized, unlike the character Data from Star Trek.

In my view, CHI is vast, immeasurable, and ever-evolving. While it is challenging to map comprehensively, just as we cannot fully catalog any living language, the dynamic nature of language means that its use continuously changes. As language evolves, so does its capacity to capture new ideas, creating a rich tapestry of expression.

Take the elusive speech acts that lexicographers struggle to define, and multiply that by countless examples to grasp the complexity of modeling thought. Despite these challenges, modern advancements have brought us to a unique point in history.

Historically, individuals navigated the world using limited cognitive resources and cultural context. Access to CHI required scholarly engagement, often rendering the general populace largely illiterate for significant periods.

As information technologies proliferate, literacy has surged, allowing people to share solutions and enhance problem-solving capabilities. The information age has proven invaluable, and we can now characterize AI/ANI tools as navigational maps, where OpenAI serves as a cartographic entity within an expansive, intricate virtual landscape that helps individuals address challenges.

Conclusion: Rethinking the AI Paradigm

The core idea of this essay can be distilled into a simple concept: the ingenious use of natural language to traverse the realm where we store knowledge. This recursive capability is why some miss the larger implications of AI. Instead of fixating on alignment issues or the intent of AI models, we should focus on optimizing these remarkable tools based on their intrinsic properties.

Reorienting the AI industry towards this perspective would yield immediate benefits. Many perceived "problems" stem from anthropomorphic interpretations of computational systems and a limited understanding of consciousness (Floridi & Nobre, 2024). Acknowledging the fundamental difference between AI systems and human minds is crucial for recognizing the nature of interactions with advanced LLMs. The primary function of these systems is to navigate the CHI, ultimately aiming to advance human well-being.

By accurately characterizing this pursuit, we can shift the discourse away from misleading concepts like AGI and the AI Alignment Problem. Instead, we can concentrate on the actions people take and their enhanced capabilities as these tools evolve. Companies like Apple may excel in the AI landscape by treating AI as a means to improve user experiences, emphasizing the tool's role in knowledge and creativity.

This perspective unlocks the true potential of AI, paving the way for increasingly seamless interactions between individuals and the vast CHI that shapes our experiences.

In the video "What is Collective Intelligence?", the concept of collective intelligence is explored, shedding light on its significance in both human and artificial contexts.

The "Collective Intelligence" video delves into the nuances of how collective intelligence operates, providing insights into its applications and implications for society.