ARTIFICAL intelligence (AI) has evolved significantly since its conceptual beginnings in the late 1940s with pioneers like Alan Turing and John von Neumann. The landmark year of 1956 saw AI researchers demonstrate a machine's theoretical capability to solve any problem given unlimited memory, a notion that fundamentally challenged our understanding of machine potential. By 1965, AI technologies like Shakey the robot and Eliza were facilitating basic human-machine interactions, setting the stage for today’s sophisticated virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa.
As we stand on the brink of what many consider a technological renaissance, the rapid advancements in AI are not just a testament to human ingenuity but also pose profound ethical questions. How do we balance the relentless pursuit of innovation with the imperative to protect human values?