by Latanya Sweeney , March 1992
In the next to last paragraph, I put forth my definition of artificial intelligence. Before that, are four paragraphs that provide some context.
Artificial intelligence concerns itself with intelligent behavior -- the things that make us seem intelligent. In an ultimate view, we are about re-creating a perception of man and building a machine in our own image. This is a strong statement, but describes the underlying current of our work.
In 1981, Professor Marvin Minsky, at MIT, in a casual conversation with me, described how people often explore through artificial intelligence their own weaknesses and concerns. He gave real life examples: a man that is color blind studies computer vision; a person with a speech impediment builds equipment that talks. He then ended with a joke, asking what could he say of me, being interested in thinking.
Professor Minsky's observation highlights the inner desires of many who work in the field, and sheds light on our true intentions. For more than 50 years, we have struggled to define our work. Problems arise from our ignorance of thinking, learning and intelligence. So, we often find ourselves trapped in circular definitions. It is difficult to define what we do not know. I contrast intelligent behavior to a stupor, arguing one is the exclusive opposite of the other. By comparing what illustrates intelligent behavior to what appears dull, insensible or lethargic, I decipher meaning from the rhetoric.
Finally, as you will read, the definition includes words such as life, spirit and sensitivity. These are direct challenges to man's emotional and primal self. The forces that drive determination and the will to survive are as much a part of man's intellectual behavior as creating and reasoning. No definition should exclude this view.
"Artificial intelligence is the study of ideas to bring into being machines that respond to stimulation consistent with traditional responses from humans, given the human capacity for contemplation, judgment and intention. Each such machine should engage in critical appraisal and selection of differing opinions within itself. Produced by human skill and labor, these machines should conduct themselves in agreement with life, spirit and sensitivity, though in reality, they are imitations."Perhaps the validity of this definition can only be determined by time. When we, or those who follow us, are near to producing the ultimate such machine, one that intelligently responds to real world stimulations comparable to humans. Then, we can reflect on what was done and best define it.
Last modified 1/2003 by latanya@dataprivacylab.org