Artificial intelligence (AI) has yet to achieve the intellectual capacity of human thinking, but new research suggests that this may change sooner than expected. Robert Johansson, a psychology researcher at Linköping University, proposes that combining psychological learning models with specific AI types could lead to the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) within the next five years.
In his dissertation, Johansson introduces the concept of Machine Psychology, which aims to bridge the gap between human cognitive processes and AI development. He believes that AGI, unlike current AI systems, will significantly impact society by enabling new types of agents, such as virtual researchers or psychologists.
Johansson acknowledges the potential risks associated with AGI, emphasizing the importance of handling this technology with care. He argues that, if developed responsibly, AGI could help foster a more empathetic society.
His approach, grounded in modern learning psychology, utilizes the Non-Axiomatic Reasoning System (NARS) to create AI that learns from experiences, similar to human development. Johansson asserts that achieving this would solve the puzzle of creating AI that truly thinks like a human.
As organizations like Google DeepMind begin to explore Machine Psychology, the future of AI and its potential consciousness remains a topic of critical importance. Johansson warns that ethical considerations regarding the rights and responsibilities of AGI must be addressed as this technology evolves.