By Dr Sachchidanand Joshi
India has long been a land of inquiry, where curiosity fuels the relentless pursuit of wisdom. This deep-rooted tradition of questioning and debate has driven intellectual progress for centuries. From the rich dialogues between gurus and disciples to the introspective discussions of the Upanishads, the Indian knowledge system has thrived on the exchange of ideas.
The Vedic texts celebrate intelligence as Medha Shakti or Buddhi, a divine force guiding human understanding. Medha Sukta, a revered hymn in the Taittiriyaranyaka of the Krishna Yajurveda and as a Khilasukta in the RgVeda, embodies the essence of wisdom and the perpetual quest for knowledge. In this context, intelligence is not just an analytical ability but an intricate blend of memory, discernment, ethics, and the ability to apply wisdom in daily life.
From ancient times, various techniques were developed in Indian traditions to sharpen cognitive abilities—structured recitations of Vedic mantras, mnemonic techniques like Katapayadi and Bhutasamkhya, and meditative disciplines that enhance clarity of thought. These practices were not just exercises in memorization; they were methods of deepening understanding and fostering a holistic approach to intelligence.
Modern Artificial Intelligence (AI), in contrast, represents a vastly different approach to intelligence. It is designed to mimic human cognitive functions such as learning, reasoning, and decision-making, but does so in a mechanistic way. Unlike natural intelligence, which is shaped by emotions, experiences, and cultural influences, AI operates within the confines of algorithms and data patterns.
AI has undeniably transformed industries, accelerating problem-solving, improving efficiency, and streamlining complex tasks. From healthcare to finance, AI’s capabilities are being leveraged to predict outcomes, optimize resources, and improve decision-making. However, its rapid expansion into daily life raises crucial questions—how deeply should AI be integrated into human affairs? Are we prepared for its long-term consequences?
One fundamental difference between human and artificial intelligence is the ability to contextualize information. AI can process vast amounts of data at incredible speeds, but it lacks intuition, morality, and emotional depth. It is devoid of human sensibilities and ethical judgment, functioning purely on programmed logic and probability. This raises concerns about AI-driven decisions in fields like law enforcement, healthcare, and governance, where ethical considerations are paramount.
AI’s rapid evolution has also led to growing concerns about privacy, surveillance, and job displacement. With AI-driven automation replacing human roles in many industries, what will be the future of human labour? How do we ensure that AI serves humanity rather than making humans obsolete?
A pressing concern is AI’s impact on creativity. Creativity is fundamentally a human trait, rooted in imagination, emotion, and personal experience. AI, however, generates content by analysing and recombining existing patterns, producing art, music, and literature that may seem creative but lack genuine originality.
If AI continues to fulfil creative needs effortlessly, will humans still feel the urge to imagine and innovate? Will art lose its personal touch if machines generate it without the emotional and experiential depth of human creators? These are critical questions that need to be addressed as AI becomes more sophisticated in mimicking human-like creative processes.
The preservation of human creativity is essential for cultural and intellectual growth. Artistic Intelligence, or the ability to create from within, must be nurtured alongside technological advancements. The arts, literature, and philosophical thought have long been essential to human civilization, and allowing AI to dominate these domains without human oversight could lead to a world devoid of artistic authenticity.
In addition to creativity, human civilization thrives on diversity, adaptability, and ethical decision-making. AI lacks these organic qualities. The rise of AI-driven systems, if unchecked, might lead to a homogenized way of thinking, stripping away the rich diversity that defines human societies.
This calls for ethical considerations and policy frameworks to regulate AI development. Boundaries must be set to prevent AI from overstepping its role. Who should be held accountable for AI-driven mistakes? How do we create ethical AI policies that align with human values, especially in a country like India, where the moral and philosophical foundations of progress are deeply rooted in tradition?
The challenge ahead is to ensure that AI serves human interests rather than dictating them. While AI can assist and enhance human capabilities, it should never replace the essence of human experience. AI must be not just intelligent but also responsible, adhering to ethical guidelines that safeguard human dignity and cultural diversity.
Another concern is the increasing reliance on AI for decision-making. The human mind, shaped by emotions, experiences, and intuition, is irreplaceable in complex moral dilemmas. AI, driven solely by logic and algorithms, lacks the capacity for genuine empathy and ethical reasoning. If AI systems begin making significant decisions in governance, healthcare, and even interpersonal relationships, how will that affect human society?
Education is another domain where the impact of AI is significant. AI-driven learning platforms are revolutionizing education, making knowledge more accessible than ever. However, can AI truly replace the mentorship and human connection that traditional education offers? The teacher-student relationship, a cornerstone of learning in Indian tradition, goes beyond information transfer—it fosters emotional and intellectual growth. AI-based education systems must complement, not replace, human-driven learning experiences.
The growing integration of AI into various aspects of life demands a re-evaluation of how we interact with technology. While AI offers remarkable efficiency and problem-solving abilities, it should never be mistaken for true intelligence. Intelligence is not just about processing information; it is about wisdom, discernment, and the ability to understand human complexities.
At its core, the battle between Artificial Intelligence and human intelligence is not about superiority but about purpose. AI must remain a tool that augments human capabilities rather than replacing them. By prioritizing ethical considerations, fostering artistic intelligence, and maintaining human-centric development, we can ensure that AI serves humanity in a meaningful way.
In this ever-evolving technological landscape, striking a balance between artificial and artistic intelligence is crucial. Technology should empower human potential, not diminish it. As we move forward, we must ensure that AI remains a servant of human wisdom, not its master.
Author: Dr Sachchidanand Joshi is the Member Secretary of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) based in New Delhi, India. He can be reached at sjoshi@yahoo.com
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