One Day We Will Link Our Brains to Computers
How
do you feel about the future of AI (Artificial Intelligence)?
What
do you think it means about linking our brains to computers?
Tech billionaire
Elon Musk announced a new venture for
linking brains to computers.
The company plans to develop brain implants that can treat brain problems.
And it may one day be powerful enough to put humanity on a more even footing with possible future
superintelligent computers.
Musk is the founder of both the
electric-car company Tesla Motors and the private space-exploration firm
SpaceX. He has become an outspoken doomsayer
about the threat artificial intelligence might one day pose to the human race. Continued growth in AI ability could mean
that machines can outthink and outmaneuver
humans.
In a tweet Tuesday, Musk gave little
information except to confirm Neuralink's name. And he tersely talked about the danger of failing to pursue direct brain-interface work.
Some neuroscientists and futurists,
however, say to be careful about making claims that are big about neural
interfaces.
Hooking a brain up directly to electronics
is itself not new. Doctors insert electrodes in brains to deliver stimulation for treating such sicknesses
such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and chronic pain. In experiments, these
electronic sensors have let paralyzed people use brain signals to operate
computers and move robotic arms. Last year, researchers reported that a man
regained some movement in his own hand with a brain implant.
Try
to guess the meaning of the words in bold and match them with their closest
meaning from the choices in the right. Some of the answers are very close and
have similar meaning. The meaning of these words is how they are used in the
reading. Some of these words have different meanings in the dictionary
depending on how they are used.
The
answers are below the table.
implants
|
A
|
1
|
Someone who sees bad news in the future
|
even footing
|
B
|
2
|
Something that is put into our body to
replace or improve something missing
|
doomsayer
|
C
|
3
|
To move in a way to be faster and avoid
the competition
|
pose
|
D
|
4
|
To follow, to chase
|
outmaneuver
|
E
|
5
|
To suggest something for people to think
about, (2nd meaning) To act
in a way to impress others,
|
tersely
|
F
|
6
|
Something outside/external that
encourages to go or that gives energy
|
pursue
|
G
|
7
|
To speak an a strong and almost
aggressive way
|
stimulation
|
H
|
8
|
Equal to
|
A=2, B=8, C=1, D=5, E=3, F=7,
G=4, H=6
Some
example sentences using the new words or phrases from the meaning of how they
are used in the reading to help you understand better.
1.
The dentist replaced my bad
teeth with implants.
2.
We need better team members and
more money to put our team on an even
footing with the other competitors.
3.
Some doomsayers think there will be war.
4.
The professor posed a question for the class to think
about.
5.
He outmaneuvered all the other players on the field and scored a goal.
6.
Our boss was terse with us because he wanted the
project finished tomorrow.
7.
I am pursuing my dream to work as an engineer in a foreign company.
8.
For some people, coffee gives stimulation in the morning.
Some
questions using the new words/phrases. Try to use the words/phrases in your
answer.
1.
How would you feel about a
brain implant so your brain could
communicate with a computer? What if the implant
could fix a problem?
2.
In what ways do you think AI
could not be on an even footing with
humans?
3.
Are you positive or a doomsayer about the future? Why?
4.
If you met Mr Musk, what
question would you pose to him?
5.
How would you feel about being outmaneuvered and outthought by a
computer?
6.
When would you speak in a terse way with someone?
7.
Would you like to pursue a career/job in AI? Why or why
not?
8.
What things stimulate you physically and
emotionally?