Readings: Leading Discussions

cs339: Artificial Intelligence Readings: Leading Discussions In the last two weeks of the semester, we will review six historical papers in the philosophy of artificial intelligence. 1. Computing Machinery and Intelligence, by Alan Turing. This is a seminal AI paper that essentially introduced the notion of intelligent computing. We see the ”imitation game” scenario for the first time. 2. Minds, Brains, and Programs, by John Searle. This is the most famous paper dealing with the philosophy of the mind and AI. No paper has generated so much controversy and discussion as this key piece of work. We see the Chinese Symbol Room device here. 3. Cognitive Wheels: The Frame Problem of AI, by Daniel Dennett. This classic paper introduces us to a huge thinking problem in AI – how to ascertain relevancy of information. 4. What is it like to be a bat? by Thomas Nagel. A key paper in the philosophy of the mind introduces us to the intimate connection between mind and body. 5. Free Will, by Jack Copeland. How do we understand the concept of free will in the human mind if we are to possibly someday attribute that quality to artificially intelligent agents? 6. Time and the Observer, by Daniel Dennett. What is the role of consciousness in the human mind? We might be surprised at the answer! Teams of 2 or 3 students will tackle each philosophy paper. The responsibilities for each team are outlined here: 1. Read your assigned paper in great depth. Be sure you fully understand it. 2. At least three days in advance (by the prior class period) provide reading questions to the class. These are usually three or so questions that, if an- swered correctly, allow us to grasp the most important parts of the paper. Email me the reading questions and I will post them on the class webpage. 3. Create discussion questions that your group will use to guide class discussion. 1 4. Lead the class in a discussion of the paper. You might present the central ideas in a brief (10 minute) start, and then transition to a series of pre-written questions to lead the discussion. You want the class to engage in debate over the most important issues in the paper. It is your group’s job to identify those issues. It is EVERYONE’S responsibility to read the papers ahead of time, to answer the reading questions, and to come prepared to participate in the discussion. This will not work if we don’t do the reading well! 2.

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