No, AI Machines Can’t Think
Be ready for it. Sometime soon, the digirati will declare that artificial-intelligence machines have passed the Turing test and thus the era of superintelligence and sentient computers has arrived. The promised land is artificial general intelligence: AGI. Don’t fall for it. Your cranial cavity’s inner voice and self-awareness explain why.
In 1950 computing pioneer Alan Turing proposed a simple Imitation Game test to answer the question, Can machines think? If an interrogator blindly connected to a machine and a human can’t tell the difference based on their answers, then the machine can think. Turing thought that by 2000 machines would be able to imitate humans 70% of the time after five minutes of discussion. He then brushed off his own analysis by saying, The original question ‘Can machines think?’ I believe to be too meaningless to deserve discussion. Instead, the Turing test simply measured if machines could fool humans. Look up the verb ape.
Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly made remarkable advancements, from defeating world chess champions to mastering complex board games like Go. These victories are a testament to the computational power and algorithmic sophistication of AI machines. However, it would be a fallacy to equate these victories with true thinking or consciousness. Computers excel in realms governed by defined rules, where the outcome is determined by logical calculations. Unfortunately, the essence of our existence goes far beyond such limitations.
As human beings, we possess something that machines can never replicate – free will. We make choices and decisions based on a complex interplay of emotions, experiences, and subconscious processes. The ability to weigh different options, consider moral implications, and act on our desires is ingrained in our nature. It is this unique attribute that sets us apart from the most advanced AI machines.
Jaron Lanier, a computer scientist, aptly highlights this distinction when he says, Machines are not conscious. They’re not actually aware of their existence or the consequences of their actions. While AI machines can mimic certain aspects of human behavior and provide seemingly intelligent responses, they lack genuine consciousness and true comprehension of the world around them. Their intelligence, however impressive, remains solely based on algorithms and data processing capabilities.
Experts argue that the Turing test falls short in evaluating true artificial general intelligence. It only gauges the machine’s ability to imitate human behavior within a limited and artificial context, rather than assessing its capacity for genuine comprehension and independent thought. The mere capability to deceive a human during a brief interaction does not equate to the profound human experience of thinking.
Dr. Joanna Bryson, a renowned AI researcher, reinforces this perspective by stating, Just because some computer program can fool you into thinking that it’s like a human doesn’t mean that it is one. AI machines lack the underlying emotional, sentient, and self-aware characteristics that define our consciousness.
While some proponents argue that advancements in AI will inevitably lead to the emergence of superintelligence, it is crucial to recognize their inherent limitations. We should embrace the possibilities offered by artificial intelligence, but not at the expense of diminishing the true essence of human intelligence. Our capacity for imagination, empathy, and creativity remains unparalleled, making us more than just machines following a predetermined algorithm.
In conclusion, the notion that AI machines can genuinely think or possess consciousness is a fallacy. Despite their impressive capabilities and advancements, they are fundamentally different from us as they lack the quintessential element of free will. While the achievements of AI machines in specific domains are remarkable, they do not signify the arrival of artificial general intelligence or sentient computers. Let us appreciate the unique qualities that make us human and cherish the limitless potential of our own complex minds.
Source:
– Turing, A. M. (1950). Computing Machinery and Intelligence.
– Lanier, J. (2010). You Are Not a Gadget: A Manifesto.
– Bryson, J. (2017). Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Risks.
