our briefing begins in a broad
overview of the field of artificial intelligence, which is commonly referred to as
"AI." As an outgrowth of computer science,
one of the best definitions of artificial intelligence(AI)
is: "Artificial intelligence is the art of creating machines that perform functions
that require intelligence when performed by people."(Kurzweil 14)
The field of AI is a broad topic in itself that has not only
branched off into natural
language processing, game AI, robotics, image and sound-recognition, but it's has
influenced more general areas of research like philosophy,
cognitive science, neuroscience, and psychology. The topic has raised controversies
not only over the possibility of intelligence in a machine, but also what is the
fundamental nature of intelligence and consciousness in people.
Before you begin the exploration of AI, a working definition
of intelligence will shed some light on the ultimate goal of AI. In Eveready use,
the word "intelligent" is often applied to people who have high mental
abilities. When humans are compared to non-human things like animals,
intelligence can simply be to the degree of capacity in which knowledge is acquired and
used.
Because of the enormous capabilities of the digital computer,
that particular type of machine has become the de facto choice in AI development.
For now, computers certainly can acquire lots of information that is input by people or is
detected by an external device that allows it to gather data. Moreover, computers do have
many abilities to manipulate information as well... even to the point beyond human
capabilities like calculating large prime numbers
or the twentieth decimal digit of ¶(pi).
There are two fundamental paradigms of AI that raises
questions influencing AI research and philosophy today. Proponents of strong
AI believe that it is possible to duplicate human intelligence in
machines while weak AI believers feel that the contradictory
term "artificial intelligence" implies that human intelligence can only be simulated.
The impacts of these schools of thought will also be explored along side some
methods used to develop either AI or certain aspects of AI.
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Before beginning your exploration of AI, here is a brief look
at the main sections of this web-site:
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This is the
"Introductions" page. It provides a broad overview of AI and lays the
foundation of what Project AI will cover. |
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The groundwork for present day AI
has it roots since Greek philosophy whose very same questions still embroil modern
thinkers today. Find out how philosophy shaped past and current AI research and
development. |
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To speak is to think; to think is to
speak. Language is an integral part of achieving AI to the point of human level
thought. Learn how researchers are trying to create machines that understand
everyday human language. |
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The hurdle of getting a computer to
think like a human brain is a monumental task analogous to building an airplane that can
fly as birds do in the pre-history of aviation. This section explores the technical
means by which researchers are trying to match the brain in function. |
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It takes intelligence to sort out
seemingly random phenomena in nature and extract its significance and relevance. The
main focus in AI today is getting a computer to recognize, make sense and
recreate in what it sees and hears. |
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Being a science, AI is not just a
topic stuck in the realms of philosophy and theoretical physics and computer science.
"AI Components" presents the ingredients researchers are currently using
to build and test their intelligent machines. |
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AI will only be known and accepted
by society when it becomes an important part of the public's lives. The applications
of AI already out there are discussed here from medicine to car repair and more. |
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With AI's goal of creating
artificial human intelligence, what next? What other factors in AI research
will eventually develop machines with other human traits like creativity? |
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What will the future hold for AI
research and development as new technologies come out? What significant impacts will
AI bring to society and how people think of themselves when AI becomes more prominent in
the future? |
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Quick and dirty facts that highlight
important information covered in Project AI. |
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