The Thing Called AI Episode 2: The Big Bang

The concept of artificial intelligence is an innovative step towards what was once impossible, as Theodore Levitt once said: “Creativity is imagining new things. Innovation is doing new things.”

The evolution of AI can be traced back to mathematician Alan Turing. In his 1950 paper “Computing Machinery and Intelligence,” Turing proposed the idea that machines could use available information and reasoning to solve problems and make decisions, much like humans. However, technical limitations at the time prevented Turing’s concept from fully coming to fruition.

Turing’s proposal later became known as the Turing Test, which assesses whether a machine can demonstrate human intelligence by engaging in conversation with a human without being detected as a machine.

How does the test work?

The test basically takes place in an interrogation room where a judge interacts with two parties, a person and a computer. Both the person and the computer are hidden from the judge’s view. The judge then tries to identify who is the human and who is the computer based on the quality of their conversation. It’s a really intriguing test.

Despite its importance in assessing the effectiveness of AI projects, the Turing Test has several drawbacks. It does not provide a precise definition of intelligence, requires a controlled environment to succeed, and is not flexible enough to adapt to technological developments.

Decades later, the Turing Test remains relevant and continues to be an important factor in the development of AI programs. Artificial intelligence has evolved to better adapt to the changes that come with human nature.