May 30, 2019 | By Amy Webb

Wait Just a Minute: Amy Webb

Futurist Amy Webb, founder of the Future Today Institute, NYU professor, and author of The Big Nine: How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity, takes a minute to answer questions about artificial intelligence and whether its advancement is in the long-term interest of humanity.

Wait Just a Minute: Amy Webb


How are artificial and human intelligence different?

At its core, artificial intelligence is a system, or a systems of systems, that makes decisions and choices increasingly on its own using our data. Now, that's not all that different from how humans use data, interpreted from the real world, to make decisions. But, fundamentally, the way that we make our decisions, and the way that our cognition works, and the way that our minds work is quite different from algorithms that are part of bigger systems that are making decisions and choices on our behalf.

Is developing AI in the long-term interest of humanity?

Developing artificial intelligence is absolutely in the best interests of humanity for the longer term. However, we have to start making smarter choices about how artificial intelligence works and what data are being used to train those systems today.

Which AI from popular culture is your favorite?

The best depiction that I've seen so far of AI, the best example, and certainly the most interesting story, is Westworld.

About

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight – and influences the public discourse – on critical global issues. We convene leading global voices and conduct independent research to bring clarity and offer solutions to challenges and opportunities across the globe. The Council is committed to engaging the public and raising global awareness of issues that transcend borders and transform how people, business, and governments engage the world.

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization. All statements of fact and expressions of opinion in blog posts are the sole responsibility of the individual author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council.

Archive

| By Brian Hanson

Deep Dish: Britain Begins its Brexit Bargain

On this week’s episode of Deep Dish, we are joined by Stephen Bridges, the United Kingdom’s Consul General to Chicago, and our own senior fellow Phil Levy discuss the road that led Britain to Brexit and what we can expect in Britain’s uncertain future.

One More Question with Enda Kenny

In the latest episode of "One More Question," we sit down with former Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny to discuss Ireland's relationship with Britain, and the EU, in a post-Brexit world.

Helmut Kohl, Longtime Friend and Admirer

With the death of Chancellor Helmut Kohl on June 16th, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs lost a longtime friend and admirer, writes John E. Rielly, President Emeritus of the Council.

| By Brian Hanson

Deep Dish: How Today's Energy Markets Affect Geopolitics

China, Russia, and the United States, three of the biggest players in global energy markets, use energy in very different ways, giving rise to complex geopolitical issues that will play out over the next few decades. Adam Sieminski, energy and geopolitics expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explains the implications of global energy dynamics on this week's episode of Deep Dish. 

One More Question with Moon Chung-in

We asked Moon Chung-in, special aide on security and diplomacy to the President of South Korea, what he thought South Korea should do about emerging threats from North Korea. Hear what he had to say.

How Data Is Driving Smart Decisions in Global Cities (and Their Aspiring Followers)

Recognizing the value of data in urban planning, Council sponsor Grant Thornton's managing principal, Scott King, shows how some of the most successful global cities have implemented data into their strategies for urban development and explains that private sector insights and experiences can be extremely valuable for global cities.

| By Brian Hanson, Richard C. Longworth, Cécile Shea, Karen Weigert

Deep Dish: Trump Trip Post-Mortem

How did President Trump's first foreign trip go? From the Middle East speech on Islam to the NATO summit in Brussels and the G7 summit in Sicily, Trump's trip was ambitious and full of real and symbolic action. On this week's Deep Dish, three Council experts give their review of how the trip went and what it did or did not accomplish.

| By Robert Muggah

Sanctuary Cities are Critical to Managing the Global Refugee Crisis

The world is facing unprecedented and catastrophic levels of population displacement. Cities are the primary reception point for new arrivals, including refugees. Cities will also need to step up to meet this challenge, says Robert Muggah, co-founder of the Igarapé Institute and SecDev Group. 

Pages