Reason is more than a tool
If intelligence is merely optimisation then machines will outrun us. Kant tells us why human reason is so much more - by Sasha Mudd Read on Aeon
The AI revolution has reignited one of humanity's oldest philosophical debates – the nature and purpose of reason. In the 18th century, thinkers like David Hume argued reason is merely a servant to our passions, lacking the power to shape our ends or judge what we should pursue. Kant, however, believed reason is more than just a tool, capable of evaluating whether our ends are worthy and guiding us toward a better future.
The AI systems that optimise and learn from experience have blurred the line between human intelligence and machine intelligence, prompting a re-examination of what it means to have reason. While Hume's view may seem too restrictive, Kant's notion of reason as a faculty for choosing and justifying ends is more empowering, allowing us to envision and strive for a better world.
Written by urgent.news from Aeon's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
