Session Abstract

The German philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz not only conceived binary computing, but also revolutionized logical and mathematical calculi. Famous for the introduction of infinitesimal calculus, Leibniz’s actual aim was to develop a calculus in order to derive “everything that sensory perception [...] empirically recognizes by means of a reliable calculation and proof procedure from the symbols.” Over a period of more than forty years (1670 to 1716) he invented this calculus which he called “Analysis situ” – a forerunner of modern topology, a masterpiece in symbolic logic, as well as the basis of modern AI. However, the path that Leibniz opened up with his Analysis situ also introduced path dependencies that challenge today’s AI development. Taking Leibniz's visionary dreams back to the future, the lecture will discuss five fundamental challenges as to why AGI cannot be achieved in this way from a philosophical perspective.