Winners of the Nobel Prize in physics warn of AI dangers

Alfred Nobel wanted to leave behind a legacy of peace and prosperity, removing the potential taint on his name due to his invention of dynamite. A scientist himself, Nobel left his wealth in a trust to award the most important thinkers for future generations. He mentioned physics first in his will. 

However, the winners of this year’s Nobel Prize in physics, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton, aren’t physicists’ per se, and some even see their discoveries as existential threats. That’s because Hopfielf and Hinton won the award “for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks,” in other words, for what we call AI.

Why did Hinton and Hopfield win the Nobel Prize for physics? 

The “Godfather of AI,” Hinton, helped to develop neural networks by introducing a statistical element to the networks first proposed by Hopfield. These discoveries in the 1980s paved the way for the proliferation of large language models (LLMs), popularized by ChatGPT. 

While Hopfield came from a background in physics, Hinton and Hopfield’s breakthroughs dealt more with computer science than traditional physics. So why did they win the Nobel Prize for the subject? 

For decades, long before ChatGPT was launched, physicists used neural networks to make predictions, create models, and complete complex calculations. For example, AI helped to “sharpen” the first image of a black hole for further research. So, although Hopfield and Hilton didn’t directly contribute to traditional physics, they likely deserve the accolade for their contribution to the study. 

Hinton and Hopfield warn of AI’s dangers 

Ironically, in the same way that Nobel worried about his legacy, Hinton and Hopfield seem worried about their legacy in the creation of AI. If Hinton’s name sounds familiar, it’s probably because he made headlines by leaving Google in 2023 to warn of the dangers of AI last year. 

Companies and national militaries compete at lightning speed to invent newer, more powerful AI, and that worries Hinton. First, he’s concerned about the way AI will upend the job market—and not just menial tasks but a large swath of skilled work too. Second, he warns of the existential threat of an AI that’s smarter than humans. 

While some scientists thought such a thing was possible in the distant future, Hinton thinks it’s closer than ever. Of course, he also sees its value and potential. Hinton says AI is “Comparable with the Industrial Revolution,” believing “it’s going to be wonderful in many respects.” 

So, although both men understand AI’s potential for good, they also warn about the risks of unchecked growth and AI’s immense power to disrupt society. They could never have predicted AI’s widespread effects and success in the ‘80s. Now, they must live with their legacies, the good and bad, predicted and unexpected. 

The Christ-Centered Legacy 

We have a measure of control over our legacy. Nobel discovered the process to create nitroglycerin and dynamite, which was used as bombs in wars, but also in the mining and construction industry—a tenuous contribution to humanity. To contribute to a positive legacy, he put his wealth toward the betterment of humankind through the Nobel Prizes. 

However, as Christians, we don’t work for the praise or recognition of others. Our legacy is ultimately and solely determined by God’s divine perspective and judgment. We can, at best, hope alongside Paul for a legacy of faithfulness. 

The apostle writes:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

Hilton and Hopfield cannot control the future, whether AI will be used for good or ill. Neither can we control the future nor how others perceive us. But, we can honor God and do good in secret and in public to build up treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). 

How will you start building your legacy, today?