In 1950, a computer scientist called Alan Turing designed a test to see in computers can think. He argued that we judge a human’s intelligence based on what they say and do. Therefore, he said we should judge computers in the same way.
Task 1: Watch the video.
The Chinese Room thought experiment was designed by John Searle to prove that Alan Turing was wrong. Searle argued that the computer is like the person in the room, communicating but having no understanding of what they are saying or doing. A computer is purely programmed to match and move around symbols, not think and it does not have intelligence.
Task 2: Watch the video.
Artificial Intelligence is a term used to describe computers that can carry out tasks normally done by humans, for example park a car, or diagnose a medical condition. Currently we have ‘narrow’ AI, meaning AI can carry out specific tasks.
It is possible that in the future AI could remove the need for people to do repetitive, boring work.
Task 3: Why do people think that AI could both improve and worsen life for humans?
Humans are considered the dominant species on the planet because of their intelligence, not because they are the fastest or the strongest. If Artificial Superintelligence becomes possible, computers could become even more intelligent than humans. Humans could become dominated by these machines.
Task 4: Give your opinion on the following statement – ‘The potential benefits of developing artificial intelligence outweigh the risks.’
Mrs Hicks' Lessons 