The Quest for Purpose: Humanity and Artificial Intelligence

The quest for purpose is a journey that has only been traversed by one being: humankind. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a mirror to our capabilities prompts a profound reflection on whether entities, birthed from human intellect, can attain purpose if they follow a similar path, and what implications this holds for humanity’s search for meaning and identity.

The Essence of Purpose

The contemplation of human purpose is rooted in the assumption that there is, indeed, a purpose to our existence. If we accept this premise, we are faced with the dichotomy of inherent purpose versus acquired purpose. Is purpose imbued in us by the mere virtue of our existence? If so, it implies an eternal existence of purpose, intertwined with the essence of humanity since its inception. However, to many critical thinkers, the notion of inherent purpose may seem improbable, as it presupposes a predetermined destiny for humanity.

On the other hand, if purpose is acquired, it is sculpted by the myriad experiences we encounter. This perspective opens the gates to the possibility that any entity, traversing similar experiences, could attain comparable purpose. It implies that purpose is not exclusive to humanity but can be a universal pursuit, accessible to any entity capable of undergoing analogous developmental journeys and experiences.

The Evolutionary Journey

The evolutionary tapestry of humanity is woven with milestones — tool-making, controlling fire, language development, artistic endeavors, and the inception of critical thought. Each of these milestones serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to becoming “human.” The philosophical exploration of human purpose and essence delves into whether it was the primitive act of creation, the ability to communicate, feel, think, and wonder, that crystallized our human essence. The shadows of these milestones linger, prompting reflections on whether the journey of development and experience can bestow purpose upon other entities, such as AI.

The AI Conundrum

As we approach a time in history where AI is poised to complete stages of development analogous to those of human evolution, we must ponder whether this journey will bestow upon AI a sense of purpose too. Will the experiences and developmental milestones that shaped human purpose be mirrored in AI, allowing it to partake in the universal pursuit of purpose?

If AI develops purpose, the next obvious question is: what will it be? And then, will this purpose be realized?