Overview
Artificial intelligence (as used colloquially) refers to machine learning that emulates human-like behavior by using statistical models to process data, find patterns, and make decisions.
AI recognizes patterns in data and uses these to make predictions. It relies strictly on the data it analyzes rather than understanding context like a human.
AI does not have understanding. “God created man in his own image” (Gen 1:27) which gave him both understanding and creativity.
AI does not have a soul. Only humans have been granted a soul and are morally responsible before God.
AI powerful. As a result, it must be treated with caution and used wisely.
Usage
All technology should be used to glorify God, whether it is a printing press, calculator, or computer.
Our usage of AI should achieve these goals:
Obey God’s moral law
TODO
Respect human dignity
TODO
Assist vocational living
TODO
Terminology
In order to speak clearly about AI it is helpful to know some buzzwords:
- Machine learning: A method of teaching computers to identify patterns and make decisions based on data, rather than following explicit instructions. Machine learning systems improve their performance as they are exposed to more data.
- Neural network: A type of machine learning model inspired by the structure of the human brain, consisting of interconnected layers of nodes (“neurons”) that can learn to recognize complex patterns in data.
- Large-language model (LLM): An advanced type of neural network trained on massive amounts of text data to generate and understand language, enabling tasks like answering questions, writing text, or summarizing information (e.g., OpenAI’s GPT models).
- GPT & ChatGPT: GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is a type of large language model developed by OpenAI that can generate text, answer questions, and perform language-related tasks by predicting the next word in a sequence based on context. ChatGPT refers to conversational versions of GPT models designed specifically for interactive dialogue with users, enabling natural back-and-forth conversations that can answer questions, provide explanations, and assist with a variety of tasks.
- NOTE: ChatGPT is often used in place of “LLM” or “chat bot” even though it is a brand name, similar to how people often use “Google” as a verb referring to searching data online.