AI is not the universal problem solver

Artificial Intelligence is rife with contradictions; a powerful tool still also very limited in terms of capabilities. And, while it has the potential to improve human existence, at the same time it threatens to deepen social divides and put millions of people out of work. While its inner workings are highly technical, the non-technical among us can and should understand the basic principles of how it works - and the concerns that it raises. 

As the influence and impact of AI spreads, it will is critical to involve people and experts from the most diverse backgrounds possible in guiding this technology in ways that enhance human capabilities and lead to positive outcomes.

AI is not the universal problem solver and having a clearer idea of what AI is, and is not "will be critical to move beyond solutionism,” says Stuart Russell, the renowned Professor of Computer Science at University of California, Berkeley.


Speaking during the opening plenary of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils, Russell explained that “solutionism” is the attitude that, given enough data, machine learning algorithms can offer a solution for all our problems. He also spoke about how to dispel common AI misconceptions and how best to advance the field of study.