The problem is finding the right questions and not having the answers ready. Artificial intelligence is now talked about in abundance, but too much reference is often made to the dangers of the smart revolution (which exist) rather than focusing on the great opportunities that could change the future of humanity for the better.
In short, this is why Randstad – a Dutch multinational that deals with research, selection and training of human resources – has decided to open a Foundation to ensure that the increasingly rapid development of technological innovation does not get out of hand for us humans. Because, as the Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini said at the opening of the conference AI & Humanities: a new idea of the future (organized at the Mudec in Milan by the Randstad AI & Humanities Foundation), «it is time to develop horizontal knowledge, because Man must not be at the center, but must be downstream of the entire revolution underway».
Here, in short, is the reason for the meeting that launched the project: artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we work, make decisions and live, offering great opportunities for analysis and improving efficiency; however, we must avoid seeing the human capacity to develop critical and creative skills reduced, limiting the propensity to innovation due to a blind survival instinct. In short, to make the most of the potential of AI and overcome its limits, it is necessary to integrate technical skills with humanistic knowledge, capable of understanding ethical and social challenges.
To achieve this result, the Foundation aims to enhance the contribution of the humanistic sciences in the development and integration of AI, promoting responsible and conscious use of this technology by including philosophical, psychological, social and historical studies. And moreover theAdvisory Board of the foundation is precisely that mix of knowledge that can give a boost to the objective:
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Paola Pisano (president) Professor at the University of Turin and former Minister for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition
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Mirja Cartia d’Asero, CEO of the 24 Ore Group
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Gianni Letta, President of Civita
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Pamela Morassi, Head of Secretariat of the Minister of Economy and Finance
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Massimiliano Patacchiola, Senior AI Research Engineer in Tools for Humanity and Researcher at Cambridge
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Guido Saracco, Professor and former Rector of the Polytechnic of Turin
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Ersilia Vaudo, Chief Diversity Officer and Special Advisor on Strategic Evolution at ESA
A series of personalities who must help find the right questions to address AI problems: for example how to stem the phenomenon of “machine servility” (i.e. the tendency of AI to confirm users’ beliefs, reinforcing any prejudices ); or the spread of fake news; or even the guarantee of copyright protection. This is only part of what will need to be solved in the near future, given the great acceleration of generative artificial intelligence, which can offer new scientific, economic and social opportunities but also present unpredictable risks.
«To govern the artificial intelligence revolution, it is necessary to bring philosophy to engineers and engineering to philosophers – said Fabio Costantini, CEO of Randstad HR Solutions and Councilor of the Randstad AI & Humanities Foundation -. The Foundation will explore the intersections between AI and Humanities to promote the adoption of technological solutions that reflect fundamental human values. Supporting inclusive, ethical and sustainable technological progress, through research, training and dialogue with leading experts at national and international level.”
The project is ambitious and the objective, ultimately, lies in the simplicity of the words of Gianni Letta, a man of yesterday (as he defined himself) but who always loves to look to the future: «In imagining what artificial intelligence can do for us we must prevent excessive technological faith from erasing the ancient values of humanity.” That is: looking back to move forward. Question after question.