Lately, I have been reading about artificial intelligence as research to a work in progress. The similarities between the development of artificial intelligence and Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein are a little unsettling. In a more recent example and maybe more relevant to advances in computer technology, Star Trek: The Next Generation gave us the episode “The Measure of a Man,” in which they explored the philosophical aspects of creating technological life and the definition of life.

Of course, technological and scientific developments bring fear of its unknown potential. If it learns on its own and its processing abilities far exceed ours, will it surpass us? If we abandoned progress out of fear, we would never have looked beneath the sea or into space. No adventure worth having is without danger.

I am not suggesting we throw caution to the wind. Artificial intelligence is a frontier worthy of careful exploration. We should encourage transparency and regulation of a tool which could impact human life in unimaginable ways. I am unaware of any regulatory agencies overseeing something which may redefine life and its creation. For me, the greatest anxiety is who will make the decisions which shape what could be the greatest paradigm shift in history.