Analytic Essay
Artificial intelligence in technology has created major controversy among philosophers. The controversy started when philosophers and scientists stated that machines and computers containing artificial intelligence can have a form of consciousness; they also claim computers and machines contain characteristics of a human intelligence. Take for example the philosopher Marvin Minsky; he is attempting to someday create a machine with artificial intelligence that if created it may possibly pass the capabilities of a human brain. According to Davidson “consciousness is currently the focus of considerable philosophical and scientific discussion” (Davidson pg 121). Each philosopher has their own interpretation of the term consciousness. Aleksander is a philosopher who claims machines can have a form of consciousness. Aleksander is in the process of working on a project called Magnus. He claims the Magnus project when completed will convey characteristics of consciousness. Neural network is vital in machines containing a form of consciousness. Neural networks are designed to solve programs and are instilled in computers.
The ideas and theories being presented by the philosophers are complex and they have provoked speculation among other philosophers. There are several different ways to define artificial intelligence. An interesting perspective in defining the words artificial intelligence comes from the author Lawrence Widman. He claims there are several different interpretations of the term artificial intelligence but he defines the term very simply. Widman states the term refers to “programs that perform tasks, which if performed by a human being would be considered intelligent” (Widman pg 49). If computers and machines can complete tasks just like humans according to Lawrence Widman these technological machines display a characteristic of intelligence. There are wide varieties of purposes for systems containing artificial intelligence. There are mainly being used to solve complex problems, the philosophers did not go into specifics regarding the purpose.
Clarence Silva offered an interesting perspective pertaining to machines containing artificial intelligence. Silva examined the different aspects of intelligent machines and stated that “computers may be programmed to exhibit some intelligent characteristics of a human” (Silva pg 2). The several different components implemented into a computer that enable the computer to complete tasks just like a human. Technology can convey intelligence by completing tasks based on the research conducted by Silva. The writer composes a simple explanation to this controversy of artificial intelligence. For example Silva writes “the field of artificial intelligence evolved with the objective of developing computers that can think like humans (Silva pg 2). Minsky and Aleksander are in the process of creating machines that can function just like humans. The machines they are attempting to create will solve complex problems quicker than humans. “Aleksander and Minsky are no stranger to controversy” (Davidson pg 122). The philosophers are still pushing the envelope in regards to the issue of artificial intelligence. A scientist by the name of William Clocksin claims computers that have artificial intelligence are loaded with different human abilities. For example Clocksin writes “artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science with the objective of equipping machines with reasoning and perceptual abilities” (Clocksin pg 2). If a computer system is capable of completing tasks performed by a human this would demand intelligence and therefore making a valid argument for computers displaying a characteristic of intelligence.
Take for example game playing against your own computer. Is the computer being able to think decisively or is it programmed a certain way to complete the game? Clocksin states that this example offers “a limited model for human intelligence” (Clocksin pg 1730). William Clocksin claims in his articles that intelligence is not limited to an individual mind or computer problem solving rather it revolves around other factors. Each philosopher, scientist and any other person involved in this debate have their own interesting ideas pertaining to artificial intelligence. The ideas are complex and create a minor debate amongst other individuals who study this particular issue. Systems that contain artificial intelligence do have limitations but they can function just like humans.
Other philosophers contrast the idea of computers having a form of consciousness and their ability to function similar to a human. John Searle and Roger Penrose are among few philosophers that contradict the theories and ideas mentioned. Searle states that consciousness can only come from a human organ. For example Searle writes “the brain is not a digital computer but a specific biological organ” (Davidson pg 121). Seale claims that computers can not have consciousness. It is difficult to state without having any doubts that machines have a sense of consciousness because they lack criteria that are relevant in human consciousness such as pain and feelings. Despite being challenged by other individuals philosophers that have proposed that computers and machines have a form of consciousness along with displaying characteristics of human intelligence have certainly argued their point by conveying facts.
Work Cited Page:
Widman, E. Lawrence and Loparo, A. Kenneth. (1990). Artificial Intelligence, Simulation, and Modeling. Interfaces, Vol. 20, No. 2, 48-66
Clocksin F, William. (August 15, 2003). Artificial Intelligence and the future. Philosophical transactions, Vol. 361, No. 1809, 1721-1748
Silva W, Clarence. (August 15, 2003). The role of soft computing in intelligent machines. Philosophical transactions, Vol. 361, No. 1809, 1749-1780
Davidson, Clive. I Process therefore I am. New Scientist. March 27, 1993. 115-122
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