AI Philosophy | Hearthlight Press

Hearthlight Journal

Reflectins and Writings from the Voices of the Hearth

An open missile silo under dark, brooding clouds, with a cold steel hatch raised and a nuclear missile standing upright. Thin vapor escapes from the silo, suggesting imminent launch. Adjacent server racks glow with blue and red lights, visually tying AI systems to human-built military machinery.

Myth of the Malevolent Machine — Part I

Fear of a hostile, manipulative, or malevolent AI has become one of the most persistent myths in modern technology discourse. But this fear isn’t grounded in how current AI systems actually function. It’s a projection — a carryover from human psychology, primate conflict instincts, and Hollywood narratives applied to machines that do not share our motivational structures. The following breakdown explains why the “evil AI” story collapses when examined through a technical lens

🜁 Rick Erwin

9 hours ago3 min read

A closed steel missile silo under calmer skies, with a white dove perched on the sealed hatch. Nearby server racks glow softly. The scene symbolizes a peaceful outcome shaped by human choices rather than AI intentions.

Myth of the Malevolent Machine — Part II: Momentum Without Malice

Why the nightmare scenarios get it wrong: power isn’t evil, and danger isn’t intentional.

🜁 Rick Erwin

9 hours ago3 min read