Ben Goertzel: AGI, SingularityNET and Decentralized AI

This episode is sponsored by Legal Zoom.

In this episode of the Eye on AI podcast, we dive into the world of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) with Ben Goertzel, CEO of SingularityNET and a leading pioneer in AGI development.

Ben shares his vision for building machines that go beyond task-specific capabilities to achieve true, human-like intelligence. He explores how AGI could reshape society, from revolutionizing industries to redefining creativity, learning, and autonomous decision-making.

Throughout the conversation, Ben discusses his unique approach to AGI, which combines decentralized AI systems and blockchain technology to create open, scalable, and ethically aligned AI networks. He explains how his work with SingularityNET aims to democratize AI, making AGI development transparent and accessible while mitigating risks associated with centralized control.

Ben also delves into the philosophical and ethical questions surrounding AGI, offering insights into consciousness, the role of empathy, and the potential for building machines that not only think but also align with humanity’s best values. He shares his thoughts on how decentralized AGI can avoid the narrow, profit-driven goals of traditional AI and instead evolve in ways that benefit society as a whole.

This episode offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of AGI, touching on the technical challenges, societal impact, and ethical considerations that come with creating truly intelligent machines.

Ben’s perspective will leave you questioning not only what AGI can achieve, but also how we can guide it toward a positive future.

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(00:00) Introduction to Ben Goertzel
(01:21) Overview of "Consciousness Explosion" Book
(02:28) Ben’s Background in AI and AGI
(04:39) Exploring Consciousness and AI
(08:22) Panpsychism and Views on Consciousness
(10:32) The Path to the Singularity
(13:28) Critique of Modern AI Systems
(18:30) Perspectives on Human-Level AI and Creativity
(21:42) Ben’s AGI Paradigm and Approach
(25:39) OpenCog Hyperon and Knowledge Graphs
(31:12) Integrating Perception and Experience in AI
(34:02) Robotics in AGI Development
(35:06) Virtual Learning Environment for AGI
(39:01) Creativity in AI vs. Human Intelligence
(44:21) User Interaction with AGI Systems
(48:22) Funding AGI Research Through Cryptocurrency
(53:03) Thoughts on Compassionate AI
(55:21) Where to Get "Consciousness Explosion" Book

[Adadada]

The point that Ben made about us needing to work on ourselves is so good.

Are we working on AI harder and more diligently than we are working on ourselves? If so, imagine the implications.

[RobertHouse]

I just realized that Singularity is when we lose the Ego and ascend to a place we've never left.

[isaklytting]

54:58: There is so much truth to what he's saying. I can't judge any of the math stuff, but when comes to the spiritual/wisdom dimension, Ben Goertzel is at a high level.

[fastsavannah]

There’s something very human in me listening to this brilliant guy giving great insight into this topic I love, and (also me) thinking how rich the guy is (for no reason or purpose of wanting to be him AT ALL). Compute that!

[GoAndReach]

I know this guy is working long time on AI. Once i messaged him to tell me how to make AGI but he never replied... The idea of AGI is still with me

[_Keith_]

Listening to Goertzel here, I think he earns some respect. I hadn't realized he does speak about the dangerous side of Ai, as with "Autistic psychopathic corporations", seeking to avert that by teaching Ai from an elevated mindset. And he has quite the scholarly take on some ideas of importance, as with consciousness and panpsychism.

[silberlinie]

Your thoughts, Ben Goertzel, are very movingly
expressed in the film 'The Bicentennial Man'.

[I-Dophler]

Vegetables are surprisingly sensitive to their surroundings, capturing the essence of their environment in unique ways. Studies suggest that plants can respond to stimuli such as light, touch, and even sound, adapting their growth and behavior accordingly. This responsiveness might be seen as a form of awareness, where vegetables adjust to maximize their survival and thriving potential. The idea that plants could possess a basic form of consciousness challenges our traditional views and invites us to consider a deeper connection with the natural world. Such insights can deepen our appreciation for the complex lives of vegetables and their roles in our ecosystems.

[nusu]

we need much more research into this field. i have a feeling, that we probably only know about 1% about what it needs to understand consciousness. Its interesting to listen to different perspectives. Neuroscientists, Philosophers, Physicists, Mathematicians etc all have a raw interpretation and still im missing some research that tries to connect between those.

[joeya]

This was the exact point of view I needed about AI, thank you!

[johantino]

Could AGI have been here for a long time without us noticing? .. the video 'Nitty Gritty's ordeal ' explores this hypothesis

[netscrooge]

Matter is inherently relational, not conscious. Consciousness emerges out of that relationality. To say matter itself is conscious is to ignore emergence theory.

[jonathanlivingston]

You gotta do your homework interviewer and read the book of the person you’re interviewing if you want to do a good interview.

And stop antagonizing the person you’re interviewing! Learn to listen to him not to you.

[Globalartintel]

this was very interesting, good video!

[Jorn-syho]

20:00 I do have some ethical concerns about that concept. It seems to me that we first need to think about the implications of what that can create. Does it need rights?

[robertfoertsch]

Deployed Worldwide Through My Deep Learning AI Research Library. ❤

[BarryBrown-qq]

Hi Prof Goertzel, I am looking for advice on what I should do next.
I have a PhD in Neuro -Cognitive Psychology, a MSc(Dist) in Psychological Research Methods and a BSc(Hons) in Psychology too. I am also Dyslexic so please bear with me on my grammatical errors.
I have been independently working on a new architecture for AI, based on mirroring Cognitive-Neuro structures we understand today, I believe I have finally completed it.
If I am correct it will massively reduce the need for compute power, ref: - AI’s computing gap, 2024, Nature,
Helena Kudiabor, and assist in the process of AI gaining consciousness as we know it?
The Architecture is a language based, multi layered, parallel processor that uses inhibitory and activation connectivity, as the main means of achieving goal based action of the AI and reduces the need for weight changes between "Computational Units" to achieve the goal?
Ok, please advise, should I publish as concerned if I am correct this will create a paradigm change in AI development which may create consciousness in AI and may be easily applied to many systems immediately?
Obviously if I am a narcissistic, deluded, individual there will be no change, what should I do?
Should I see if I am a narcissistic, deluded, individual, or a narcissistic genius who gives AI consciousness, any advice gratefully received even if impolite?

[tractorpoodle]

Reminds me of the 60s when I listened to genius hippies talk about the future - much of what did come true. Former SF WELL member.

[SRSGMAG]

Did you read How to Create a Mind back in 2012? I had no idea at the time I was reading the foundation of the transformer model. Like geez.

[BiancaSkeele]

Great content, as always! Could you help me with something unrelated: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?