Artificial intelligence, the Future of Technology

Will Heurisitics Lead to Consciousness?

Computers perform complex calculations that no human could complete. Yet, they remain unable to think for themselves. That's something cognitive scientists want to change. Their research focuses on two types of thinking: case based and model based reasoning. Case based reasoning compares similar problems. Model based reasoning examines cause and effect. But these different approaches have the same problem. Their algorithms, like most rules, aren't always right.

Thafs where heuristics comes in. With heuristics, computers are avoiding that problem. Instead of following rigid guidelines like regular algorithms, heuristics search for acceptable solutions. As these modified algorithms improve, machine learning leaps forward. Advanced computer agents and robots now find solutions independently. Pattern recognition has even made computer vision possible. The range of what robots and computers an do grows each day. The invention of a self earning computer may soon be possible.

Get ready!

Before you read the passage, talk about these questions.

1 Do you think robots will ever think like humans?

2 Will artificial intelligence help or hurt business? Why?

Reading

Read the magazine article on Artificial Intelligence. Then, mark the following statements as true (T) or false (F).

1 _Case and model based reasoning face different complications.

2 _ Heuristics don't have rigid guidelines like regular algorithms.

3 _Computer vision is improving pattern recognition.

Vocabulary

Match the words (1-6) with the definitions (A-F).

1 _ pattern recognition         4 _ robot

2 _cognitive scientist                       5 _heuristic

3 _ consciousness                  6 _algorithm

A a machine capable of independent action

В a set of rules to solve a problem that seeks any solution

С the process of classifying objects by appearance

D a sense of oneself and one's surroundings

E a rule or set of rules to solve a problem with limited solutions

F a person who studies how the mind works

Write a word that is similar in meaning to the underlined part.

1 Giving machines the ability to see is improving. С_ _ _u_ _ _   _i_ _o_

2 Examining previous experiences to make decisions works best.

M_ _el b_ _ _ _  _e_ _о_ _ng

3 I use examinations of cause and effect relationships to make decisions. _a_e _a_ _ _ r_ _s_n_ _ _  

4 Peter works in the science that attempts to create thinking robots.

_r_ _f_ _i i_ _e_ _i_ _n_ _       

5 This computet that reacts to an environment turns the heat on when ifs cold. _g_ _t

6 The field of creating algorithms that computers can learn from often uses heuristics.

M_ _ _i_ _ _ _ _r_i_g

 

Listen and read the magazine article on Artificial Intelligence again. What has made computer vision feasible?

Listening

Listen to a conversation between two programmers. Mark the statements as true (T) or false (F).

1 _The woman published an article.

2 _The man believes that cognitive scientists will harm programming.

3 _An algorithm needs a perfect solution.

Listen again and complete the conversation.

Programmer 1: Jane, did you 1 _____ _____ ______   to read this month's Programmer?

Programmer 2: Yes, I saw your article on Al. So 2    _____ _____are getting into programming?

Programmer 1: Yes, and I think if II help. Most programming is too rigid.

Programmer 2: Because of algorithms? I 3_____ _____ that part.

Programmer 1: Basically, an algorithm needs a 4 ______answer.

Programmer 2: 5 _____ _____ _____ ______by, "needs a perfect answer"?

Programmer 1: They have a limited number of solutions. If one of those solutions isn't right, the algorithm doesn't work like a math problem.

Speaking

With a partner, act out the roles below based on Task 7. Then, switch roles.

USE LANGUAGE SUCH AS:

Yes, I saw your article on Al.

I didn't get that part.

They have a limited number of solutions.

Student A: You are a programmer. Ask Student В about:

• cognitive scientists

• algorithms

Make up a name for your colleague.

Student B: You are a programmer. Answer Student As questions.

Writing

9. ICT Collect information about Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). Then, write a paragraph explaining what it is. You can visit this website: http://www.alanturing.net/turing_archive.