Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Mankind

The term artificial intelligence or AI started in the 1950s, but it was rarely known outside of academic and research circles. This fear of the potential of AI started in the 1950s as it was predicted that AI systems one day will be able to modify their own structure and code and as such can be an existential threat to mankind. However, the current wide spread of AI applications has brought this debate into the mainstream. Scientists have classified AI into weak and strong AI. Although all current applications of AI are examples of weak AI, they can mimic some of the abilities normally associated with humans. Thus, it is necessary to critically evaluate the benefits and risks associated with AI so that an informed opinion can be made regarding the question: Is AI a friend or a foe to mankind? In this chapter, the historical evolution of AI and its definitions is carried out followed by giving examples of current AI applications before a critical evaluation of the risks and benefits of AI is carried out. Based on the critical evaluation of the arguments given by both proponents and detractors of AI, it is clear that AI is here to stay. There is also a consensus regarding the risks associated with AI but there is limited agreement on how to address those risks. So, the question is how to make AI benefit the majority of mankind and not only the rich and powerful, being individuals or countries, and at the same time reduce its negative effects and risks to the individuals as well as to mankind.