Well actually this neural network style of machine learning is not all that application specific. You create a general architecture and throw lots of data at it, could be go, could be recognising pictures. You will need different general architectures, but the point is that this is a fundamentally different approach to the old school chess algos.
Yeah I get that. I studied and have worked in machine learning. Neural networks are more general than previous approaches but they still need to be customized by humans for different applications. And none of these programs are going off and learning how to play other games on their own. They need to be led.
> Scientists tested Deep Q’s problem-solving abilities on the Atari 2600 gaming platform. Deep-Q learned not only the rules for a variety of games (49 games in total) in a range of different environments, but the behaviors required to maximize scores. It did so with minimal prior knowledge, receiving only visual images (in pixel form) and the game score as inputs.
Sure, the problem space is still fairly limited, but the AI did learn new games without much guidance at all.
We should rejoice in that fact. We are woefully unprepared for true learning programs as a species. Let us hope that between now and the time we do manage to create one that we mature to the point where we don't create these thinking entities for malicious purposes.
> Let us hope that between now and the time we do manage to create one that we mature to the point where we don't create these thinking entities for malicious purposes
That's a long way off and we'll face a lot of other problems before then.
For instance, fear mongering of a looming AI. We're better off focusing on teaching kids computer science and allowing them to see for themselves how theoretical and unscary true AI remains.
But the thing is I could have been an MD, lawyer or someone in finance - these things were well within my reach. But I was sold a false dream and now I am stuck in misery.
working conditions in all of those industries are terrible compared to almost all software jobs. and the work in finance and law is tedious. you're dreaming.
But to be fair on myself and others, I was expecting something more intellectually challenging than what basically amounts to a job in 'abstract plumbing'.
Now I have come to terms with this reality life is much simpler.
Be careful of the Socratic method if you are attempting to teach those who perceive themselves to be higher up in a social hierarchy.
When I try this it often ends up in confrontation as the person who feels they are being asked for knowledge realises I am trying to teach them. These days I just flat out state my position and if they don't grasp the argument I forget the whole thing. This is a much better approach than attempting to subtly nudge people along a path to knowledge.
It's a common problem for me as I look a 10 years younger than I am.
I would be careful also with those who perceive themselves to be lower down in a social hierarchy as they lack the force to confront you.
(I mean: maybe you cause the same effect always, but only get push back from ppl. higher up)
