Artificial Intelligence
Key Figures: René Descartes, John Searle, Alan Turing, David Chalmers, Marvin Minsky, Roger Penrose, etc.
Artificial Intelligence refers to the display of human-like intelligence in artificial creations - often computers, programs, or robots. At the present, many forms of artificial intelligence exist are able to mimic mathematical and logical reasoning, though this is all within the restraints of its code/programming. Generally, there are speculations around two types of AI: “weak” AI and “strong” AI. Weak AI simply pertains to those ‘intelligent’ computers or code that only seem to have human-like intelligence (but in reality cannot deviate from their commands), this is the type of AI that is commonly considered to already be around (Chat GPT, Bard, etc.). On the other hand, “Strong” AI pertains to the programs that not only appear to have - but actually have - human-like reasoning, and most importantly, consciousness. There are no artificial automata that are widely considered to have reached these “strong” forms as of 2024. The philosophical debate around AI has thus been whether or not these “strong” forms are even possible. This leads to a discussion around the philosophy of mind and what produces real consciousness. Can we achieve consciousness through mere physical processes (code, material neurons, etc.)? While a seemingly obvious answer responding in the positive is an option, there are many responses and thought experiences that attempt to show that consciousness cannot be achieved through engineered ways. There are also epistemic questions of how, if there happens to be a “strong” AI, humans would be able to differentiate its forms (think: is the Turing test a reliable indicator?). Lastly, the next big question is relating to the ethics of bringing about such “strong” AI. There are plenty of science fiction stories that forewarn of a conscious and intelligence machine - yet there is a near equal voice that advocates that progress and science shouldn't be hindered, maybe even accelerated. The discussion around this field has rapidly grown due to AI becoming more and more part of every-day life.