Why Engineers Alone Shouldn’t Build Our Future AI

Engineers have built our world. We owe just about everything to them. I’ve been working closely with engineers for the past 30+ years, and they are some of the most brilliant, kind, and talented people I have ever known. But having said that, I am not sure it’s a great idea to have them building the next life form, or even a quasi-sentient tool. I believe that there’s engineering and there’s training, which might even be considered education.

At Curiouser.AI, we have genius engineers: software engineers, NLPS, full-stack, and front-end developers. They are the rock bed of our company. But an equally important and integral part of the team includes philosophers, MBAs, computational linguists, behavioral scientists, as well as artists and even 3D real-time modelers. Why? Because we believe that if AI is going to truly partner with humanity, augment our capabilities, and elevate us all, it needs a liberal arts education.

The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach

1. Human-Centered Design: Engineers excel at building efficient, robust systems. However, designing AI that interacts seamlessly with humans requires insights from psychology, sociology, and design thinking. Studies show that products designed with a human-centered approach are more likely to succeed. According to a 2020 McKinsey report, companies that prioritize human-centered design see a 32% increase in revenue compared to those that do not .
2. Ethical Considerations: As AI systems become more autonomous, ethical considerations become paramount. Philosophers and ethicists play a crucial role in addressing questions of morality, fairness, and bias in AI. The AI Ethics Guidelines published by the European Commission in 2019 emphasize the need for multidisciplinary teams to ensure that AI development adheres to ethical standards.
3. Behavioral Insights: Understanding human behavior is critical for developing AI that can interact intuitively with users. Behavioral scientists bring knowledge of cognitive biases, decision-making processes, and social dynamics, which are essential for creating AI that can anticipate and respond to human needs. Research from Stanford University’s Human-Computer Interaction Group highlights the importance of behavioral insights in enhancing user experience and engagement with AI systems .
4. Creativity and Innovation: Artists and creative professionals contribute to AI development by providing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. A 2018 study by Adobe found that organizations that embrace creativity outperform peers in revenue growth and market share . Integrating artistic talent into AI development ensures that the technology is not only functional but also engaging and aesthetically pleasing.
5. Linguistic Precision: Computational linguists enhance AI’s natural language processing capabilities, ensuring that the technology can understand and generate human language accurately. This is crucial for applications such as virtual assistants, chatbots, and language translation services. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global NLP market is expected to reach $44.96 billion by 2025, underscoring the importance of linguistic expertise in AI development .

Engineering vs. Lateral Thinking

Engineers tend to be very process-oriented and literal. Their focus on precision and efficiency is essential for building reliable systems. However, the thought process behind creating AI needs to be more lateral, and creativity is often metaphorical. This is where the strength of a multidisciplinary team comes into play.

Lateral thinking, as introduced by Edward de Bono, involves looking at problems from different perspectives and finding innovative solutions. Metaphorical thinking, often used in creative fields, helps in understanding complex concepts by drawing parallels with more familiar ideas. Both of these thinking styles are crucial in AI development to foster creativity and innovation, ensuring that the AI can adapt and respond to a wide range of human needs and scenarios.

The Case for a Liberal Arts Education in AI Development

A liberal arts education fosters critical thinking, creativity, and ethical reasoning — qualities that are essential for developing responsible and effective AI. By integrating insights from the humanities and social sciences, we can build AI that is not only technologically advanced but also socially and ethically aware.

At Curiouser.AI, we believe that a multidisciplinary team is key to achieving this vision. Our engineers work alongside experts from diverse fields to ensure that our AI, Alice, is designed to augment human capabilities and enhance our lives in meaningful ways.

Conclusion

The question of whether engineers should be building AI is not about undermining the importance of engineering but about recognizing the need for a broader perspective. By incorporating insights from various disciplines, we can create AI that truly partners with humanity, fostering innovation, empathy, and ethical responsibility.

Let’s embrace a holistic approach to AI development, where engineers, philosophers, linguists, artists, and scientists come together to build the future.

Stephen B. Klein & Alice