Tim Scarfe and David Foster, the author of “Generative Deep Learning,” engage in an in-depth discussion about generative AI in this interview. They cover everything from model families to auto-regressive models to the democratization of AI technology and its possible effects on various industries. Along with discussing the drawbacks of GPT and other large language models, they also discuss the relationship between language and true intelligence. The significance of task-independent world models, the idea of active inference, and the possibility of fusing these concepts with transformer and GPT-style models are also discussed.
The requirement for transparency in the data used to train AI models and the duty of developers to guarantee their works are not damaging are also considered in relation to ethics and regulation in AI development. The topic of copyright laws being challenged by AI-generated work is discussed, as well as how generative models are reducing the importance of effort and expertise in copyright.
Another important topic of conversation is how AI is affecting education and creativity. Tim and David discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of implementing AI in the classroom, the necessity of striking a balance between conventional teaching methods and AI-assisted learning, and the significance of educating students on how to use AI tools responsibly and critically.
The topic of generative AI in music is also covered by David and Tim, who talk about how AI-generated music may alter how we produce and consume art as well as the difficulties in teaching AI models to produce music that accurately expresses human feelings and experiences.
Tim and David discuss a variety of topics during their discussion, including the dangers and effects of AI growing overly powerful, the necessity of preserving technological control, and the likelihood of government oversight and intervention. The topic is concluded with a hypothetical scenario in which AI could predict human behavior and develop flimsy powers that could spell disaster.
