Module 5 - Alan Turing Discussion Flashcards
What was Alan Turing’s main question in AI?
Instead of asking “Can machines think?”, Turing reframed it as “Can a machine pass the Turing Test?”
Why did Turing replace the question “Can machines think?” with the Turing Test?
Terms like “machine” and “think” are too vague and hard to define. The Turing Test focuses on observable behavior rather than philosophical debates.
What is the Turing Test?
A test where an interrogator interacts with both a human and a machine via text. If the interrogator cannot distinguish between the human and the machine, the machine is considered intelligent.
What does the Turing Test attempt to measure?
- The ability of a machine to imitate human behavior and responses.
- The intellectual capacity of AI, rather than its physical properties.
Why is the Turing Test considered a good measure of intelligence?
- Language is central to intelligence – passing the test requires complex reasoning.
- It focuses on function rather than form, ignoring whether the machine “thinks” in a human way.
What are some weaknesses of the Turing Test?
- Deception: Machines might fake intelligence by mimicking mistakes or human behavior.
- Limited Scope: The test only evaluates conversational ability, ignoring other forms of intelligence (e.g., reasoning, creativity).
- Context Dependence: Text-based interaction removes visual and emotional cues.
What is the Theological Objection to AI?
Some believe that thinking requires a soul, which only humans have. Therefore, machines cannot truly think.
How did Turing respond to the Theological Objection?
If God can create intelligent beings, then He could also grant intelligence to machines. This argument is based on faith, not science, and is therefore not testable.
What is the “Heads in the Sand” objection?
Some argue that AI is too dangerous, so we shouldn’t explore it.
Example: Fear that AI will replace humans.
How did Turing respond to the Heads in the Sand Objection?
Scientific progress cannot be stopped just because of fear.
AI could help us understand human intelligence better.
What is the Mathematical Objection to AI?
Gödel’s theorem proves that some problems are uncomputable. Since AI is based on computation, it can never answer all questions.
How did Turing respond to the Mathematical Objection?
Humans also make mistakes and cannot solve all problems. AI doesn’t need to be perfect to be considered intelligent
What is the Consciousness Objection?
Machines do not experience feelings or emotions. Since intelligence requires conscious experience, AI can never be truly intelligent.
How did Turing respond to the Consciousness Objection ?
We can’t even prove that other humans are conscious.
If behavior is indistinguishable from human intelligence, consciousness is irrelevant.
What is the “Machines will never do X” objection? (Argument from Disabilities)
Critics claim machines will never do things like:
Have a sense of humor
Be creative
Feel emotions
How did Turing respond to the Argument from Disabilities?
There is no reason why machines can’t develop these abilities. AI already surprises us in games, creativity, and learning.
What was Lady Lovelace’s argument against AI?
Machines can only do what they are programmed to do.
They cannot generate original thoughts.
How did Turing respond to the Lady Lovelace’s argument?
Machines can be unpredictable – they sometimes surprise even their programmers.
If a program is complex enough, it can generate unexpected outcomes.
What is the argument that computers can’t mimic the brain?
Argument from the Nervous System: The human brain is continuous, while computers are discrete-state machines. Therefore, AI cannot replicate brain activity.
What was Turing’s respond to the Argument from the Nervous System?
Digital computers can simulate continuous processes with enough precision.
In the Turing Test, humans wouldn’t be able to tell the difference anyway
What is Turing’s idea of a “learning machine”?
Instead of programming a machine with rules, teach it like a child. AI should learn from experience rather than following fixed instructions.
How do modern AI systems reflect Turing’s idea of learning machines?
Machine Learning & Deep Learning allow AI to improve over time. AI like ChatGPT and AlphaGo learn patterns from data
What is the Loebner Prize?
A competition where chatbots compete to pass the Turing Test.
The chatbot Mitsuku has won multiple times, but no AI has truly passed the test yet.
Why is passing the Turing Test still difficult today?
AI struggles with real-world understanding and context. Chatbots can mimic conversation, but lack true reasoning and emotions.
Why did Turing introduce the Turing Test?
To define intelligence based on observable behavior, avoiding vague philosophical debates.
What is the strongest argument against AI passing the Turing Test?
The Chinese Room Argument: AI processes symbols without understanding meaning.
What is Turing’s most compelling argument in favor of AI?
Intelligence is measured by behavior, not internal experience. If a machine acts intelligently, we should consider it intelligent.
