Entry 1: Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence [AI] is defined as a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent behaviour in computers or the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behaviour such as: visual perception, speech recognition, decision- making and translation between languages. What constitute intelligence? Webster defines intelligence as ‘the ability to learn or understand, the ability to manipulate one’s environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria [such as tests].’
The question now becomes as Turing stated, ‘can machines think?’ It’s now the 21st century and Turing’s question is being put to the test. Over the past week, the world’s first ‘artificial intelligence’ AI news anchor’ has been seen by millions at China’s state Xinhua News Agency. Is this an actual true replica of an AI? Given the terms used to describe AI I’d be very skeptical.
However the AI presented does have some of the attributes that defines intelligence and it’s this gray area that will continue as a catalyst in this ongoing debate.