Taxonomic Expertise and AI Convergence: Ensuring Botanical Data Integrity in the Face of Human Knowledge Decline
Original framing: “AI needs solid botanical data more than ever” — Nature
The decline of taxonomic expertise is a symptom of a broader historical trend of devaluing scientific knowledge in the face of neoliberal policies and market-driven priorities. This trend has led to a decline in funding for taxonomic research and education, exacerbating the problem of human knowledge decline.
The convergence of AI and biotechnology raises significant questions about the future of taxonomy and the role of human expertise in the face of technological change.
To mitigate the risks of human knowledge decline and ensure the accuracy and reliability of AI-driven botanical data, institutions must prioritize taxonomic education and research, and develop inclusive and participatory approaches to taxonomy that recognize the value and relevance of indigenous knowledge. This requires a recognition of the cultural and linguistic diversity of plant species, and a commitment to promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health in the face of AI-driven biotechnology.