Turing on Computers Joe Lau

Can computers pass the Turing test? wA list of objections –The theological objection –“Heads in the sand” objection –The mathematical objection –The argument from consciousness –Arguments from various disabilities –Lady Lovelace’s objection –Argument from continuity –Argument from informality –The ESP argument

The mathematical objection wWhat can be proved –Given any computer, there exist problems that it cannot solve (even with infinite memory). wBut : –Human beings might have similar limitations. –Cannot show that they cannot think.

Argument from consciousness w"No mechanism could feel (and not merely artificially signal, an easy contrivance) pleasure at its successes, grief when its valves fuse, be warmed by flattery, be made miserable by its mistakes, be charmed by sex, be angry or depressed when it cannot get what it wants."

Reply wNot to be equated with the argument from solipsism. –If the argument is accepted then other human beings also do not think. wWe rely on the usual evidence to justify the attribution of consciousness.

Computers cannot... “Be kind, resourceful, beautiful, friendly, have initiative, have a sense of humour, tell right from wrong, make mistakes, fall in love, enjoy strawberries and cream, make some one fall in love with it, learn from experience, use words properly, be the subject of its own thought, have as much diversity of behaviour as a man, do something really new.”

Various comments wVersions of arg. from consciousness wFalse generalization –current computers cannot do X, so no computer can do X. wLimited memory w“Computers cannot make mistakes” –errors of functioning vs. errors of conclusion

Lady Lovelace’s objection wAda Bryon wDaughter of poet Byron wPromoted Babbage’s machines wPredicted that machines can write music and assist research wFirst programmer? (Probably not)

An often-quoted comment wThe Analytical Engine has no pretensions whatever to originate anything. It can do whatever we know how to order it to perform. It can follow analysis; but it has no power of anticipating any analytical relations or truths. Its province is to assist us in making available what we are already acquainted with.

Can computers be creative? wCreativity necessary for thinking? wCreativity involves generating ideas and selecting and modifying those appropriate for a task. wCreative insight, memory and randomness