2015-01-31
Explanation
The Joke
Scientists have created a superior artificial intelligence. One scientist declares that humans are now outdated and will be gone soon. The other scientist protests: "No, no!" But rather than making a philosophical argument for human worth, she explains that the AI is not yet superior in all domains -- specifically, there are still things that are "human funny." She then demonstrates by showing the AI a spectacle: "Come see the human fights! Today only! One old man versus three children!" The AI responds with an impressed "Ooooh!" -- suggesting that even a superintelligent AI can appreciate the absurd entertainment value of watching a geriatric fight toddlers.
The Humor
The comic plays on the common sci-fi trope of AI surpassing humanity in every way, but then subverts it by suggesting that humans retain value not through intelligence, creativity, or emotion, but through our capacity for absurd, lowbrow spectacle. The idea that humanity'''s last competitive advantage over superintelligent AI is staging ridiculous physical fights (an old man versus three children) is both a darkly funny commentary on human nature and a satirical jab at what actually entertains us. The AI'''s enthusiastic reaction suggests that even transcendent intelligence cannot resist the primal appeal of absurd physical comedy.