From ChatGPT Session on 3/10/23
Inquiry from Dr. Mike Brooks to ChatGPT:
Describe the “black box” problem of AIs. Include why this is an inherent problem of AIs as a complex system and why this will grow increasingly challenging as AIs proliferate and grow in power.
Response from ChatGPT:
The “black box” problem of AIs refers to the lack of transparency in the decision-making process of an AI system. It arises because of the complexity of the algorithms that power AI systems, which makes it difficult for humans to understand why the system is making certain decisions or recommendations.
This lack of transparency creates a problem for accountability and responsibility. If an AI system makes a decision that has negative consequences, it can be difficult to determine who or what is responsible. This is especially problematic in critical areas such as healthcare, finance, and national security.
The black box problem will become increasingly challenging as AI systems become more complex and powerful. As AIs are given more autonomy and decision-making authority, it will become even more difficult for humans to understand why they are making certain decisions. This is especially true for deep learning systems, which can modify their own algorithms and learn from their mistakes, making them even more opaque to human understanding.
This problem is inherent in the nature of complex systems, and it is not unique to AI. However, AI systems are particularly challenging because they can make decisions based on data that humans may not be able to comprehend, and they can make decisions much faster than humans can. This means that the consequences of their decisions can be more immediate and far-reaching.
To address this problem, researchers are developing methods for interpreting and explaining the decisions made by AI systems. These methods include techniques such as neural network visualization and generating explanations for decisions. However, there is still a long way to go before we have a full solution to the black box problem of AIs.