The Humanities and AI: A Professor's Quest to Understand Deep Learning
A new revolution is upon us, whether we like it or not.
Introduction
As a humanities professor, I have always been fascinated by the complex and ever-evolving relationship between humans and technology. From the early days of the printing press to the advent of the internet and artificial intelligence, technological innovations have always shaped our lives and our understanding of the world. This fascination has led me on a new journey - learning to code in Python so I can eventually study, at an intimate level, deep learning.
Just like a child must learn to walk before they can run. I’m taking on Python, with zero coding experience with the hopes to eventually study deep learning programs like TensorFlow, Keras, and PyTorch.
Crazy? Impossible? Maybe. I’ll find out.
At first, the idea of learning to code, let alone study AI and specifically deep learning was daunting. Grappling with lines of code and syntax often feels like an insurmountable challenge.
Learning to Code in Python
However, my profound desire to understand AI and deep learning pushed me to take the plunge and enroll in a "100-Day Coding Challenge." Understanding the core language of Python was critical to gaining a deeper understanding of the complex algorithms that power these technologies. So I dove in, head first.
As I delve deeper into the programming world, I already find myself drawn to the elegance and simplicity of Python. It is impressive. The logical structure of the language and the ability to write code that could solve complex problems with just a few lines is both exhilarating and empowering.
Granted, so far, I’ve only coded randomized passwords, created a tip calculator, taught robots to jump hurdles with various lengths and heights and escape mazes, built a hangman game, and programmed a rock-paper-scissors game, but hey, we all have to start somewhere.
“My code doesn’t work, I have no idea why. My code works, and most of the time I still have no idea why.”
~David D. Hopkins
I will not sugar coat the quality of my coding skills. I understand the language and code like a child--at least so far. Learning to code in Python has been a humbling experience. As someone who works in a world of words and ideas, the precision and attention to detail required by coding is a huge challenge. I often get angry and frustrated at the pace of my learning.
Syntax errors be damned, tomorrow will be day 7 in a 100-Day Coding Challenge.
Coding has already taught me to learn and think in a new way, breaking problems down into their parts and approaching them systematically. The challenge has been invigorating, pushing me to grow intellectually and stretching the boundaries of what I thought was possible for myself.
My Fascination with AI and Deep Learning
Ultimately, I am driven by my decision to learn to code in Python because AI and deep learning will profoundly transform our world. We are on the cusp of a knowledge revolution never seen before in our lifetime.
Deep learning is a mind-bending combination of mathematics, computer science, and neuroscience that mimics the workings of the human brain to achieve unprecedented levels of accuracy and efficiency in tasks such as image and speech recognition, natural language processing, and autonomous decision-making.
Yes, I said it, autonomous decision-making. By machines. This is where we are going, for good or bad. The train can’t be stopped. This is fascinating to me.
With its ability to learn from massive amounts of data, deep learning has already unlocked new frontiers in science, medicine, finance, and many other fields, bringing us closer to solving some of the most pressing challenges of our time. It is a world of limitless possibilities.
“There is no reason and no way that a human mind can keep up with an artificial intelligence machine by 2035.”
~Gray Scott
Learning to code in Python is a baby-step, but decisive step for me, opening up new opportunities for intellectual growth and contributing to a deeper understanding of the world. All of us, in our own way, need to invest some time and energy in understanding AI.
AI and deep learning is knocking at all of our doors. When we open the door the potential for greatness and destruction is on the other side. The time is now that we start paying attention to this technology, as like it or not, it will be here full-force before we know it. The staggering speed of change in our world is going to thrust upon us incredible benefits, but also the potential for many unintended consequesnces. We need to be ready.
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