Can a computer think?

I recently came across the webpage of Jeffrey Shallit, a very impressive computer scientist, and I saw he gave a talk on a topic that can be of interest to people reading this blog: Can a Computer Think?
The slides are very documented and comprehensive, he also has a reading list associated to this talk on his website.
What I especially like about this talk is that it gives an interesting historical perspective, showing how many people had predicted that computers would achieve some task in the near future  and none of these predictions were correct.

Also of interest is the quote by Hofstadter who essentially says that "intelligence" is what computers cannot do. Indeed, once computers can do something, we start to think that it does not require intelligence.

But if the definition of "thinking" is very controversial, it might be a better choice to focus on simpler things like "learning" and ask the question "Can a computer learn?".
Of course, ML researchers are exactly after that, and to some extent, it is clear that computers can learn.

However, if we try to define more precisely what learning is, there are several issues. In particular, there are at least three levels at which we can define the learning phenomenon:

1. Low-level: Ability to adapt to a (changing) environment
2. Medium-level: Ability to perform a task or to improve at performing a task without being taught explicitly (by practice or imitation)
3. High-level: Ability to infer general laws from particular instances (induction)

The first level is somewhat "unconscious" and is something that could be said of most animals.
The second level is also something many animals can do.
The third level is more "conceptual" and seems to require some "thinking". But this is not necessarily an exclusively human ability: indeed, when a dog learns that bringing back the stick will get him a stroke, this is also some kind of induction.

I am not sure the above distinction really makes sense and it might be impossible to say which form of learning actually occurs in a specific situation.
However, computers have clearly demonstrated all of them, at least in a very simple way.

Comments

[tsector]

Please i will love you to give a comprehensive answer on this questtion for veracity and clarity in my term paper

[danish]

sir if you can tell me that can a computer think?
i will oppereciat your answer.
danish from afghanistan

[khadija ismail alphakie]

sir iwill be happy, if you can give me a brief explanation about the topic, thank you.

[khadija ismail alphakie]

sir iwill be happy, if you can give me a brief explanation about the topic, thank you.

[khadija ismail alphakie]

sir iwill be happy, if you can give me a brief explanation about the topic, thank you.

[martin agaba]

try wwww.kurzweilai.netpliz send me yo findigs on my e-mail.about this "do computers think?".thanks

[hot celebrities]

Computer don't think.

[buy generic viagra]

However, if we try to define more precisely what learning is, there are several issues.

[Rob]

Can The Turing Test be given by a computer? Would a computer be able to determine if the respondent is human or computer?

[Real State in Costa Rica]

I think that the computers are a little smart. The blog is very interesting thanks for the information.

[generic cialis]

hello. sincerely your blog with great contedo I think, very useful for the work I do today. let me thank the comments of others who participate in this blog because it serves to instruct better about it. great job. thanks

[generic cialis]

I am currently conducting an investigation regarding this issue. The information presented in your blog is really interesting so I want to thank and also congratulate the great work. thanks again.

[home teeth whitening]

Well, I'm not sure if the coupon will work, but the difference is indoor formulas usually have less calories- they are the diet coke where little bits is coke.

[teeth whitening]

Terminator reality is coming... I won't be surprise if there are machines with some type of capability like this.

[Volker]

Hallo,
Ich haben eben Eure Internetseite besucht und nutzen sogleich die Gelegenheit,euch auch einen Gruß aus Deutschland in Eurem Gästebuch zu hinterlassen. P.S. Kommt uns doch auch mal besuchen
http://www.MeerblickSylt.de
http://www.OstseeblickHolm.de

[luciyahelan]

I appreciate the concern which is been rose. The things need to be
sorted out because it is about the individual but it can be with everyone. The above thought is smart and doesn’t require any further addition. It’s perfect thought from my side.
===========New Technology======

[Round and Brown]

Well, I'm not sure if the coupon will work, but the difference is indoor formulas usually have less calories- they are the diet coke where little bits is coke.

[Cut machine]

Please, I'd love to give a complete answer on this questtion for the accuracy and clarity in my term paper.

[Soap opera spoilers]

If you can tell me that you can think of a team? I was appreciate a good response.

[costa rica investments]

This story was so real that these "characters" gave me great insight and a lot to ponder.

[guanacaste costa rica real estate]

Also of interest is the quote by Hofstadter who essentially says that "intelligence" is what computers cannot do. Indeed, once computers can do something, we start to think that it does not require intelligence.

[Cartus canon]

I be happy if you can give me a brief explanation on the subject, thanks.

[Cheap fence panels]

You recently came across the website of Jeffrey Shallit, a computer scientist, awesome, and I saw that gave a talk on a topic that may be of interest to people who read this blog: Think Can a computer?

[viagra online]

There are many people who offer you their personal experiences and you simply choose to ignore them, and in fact are so rude that you do not even respond to a discussion thread created by your very self.

You should listen to what the chemistry professor says about chemistry, not the librarian.

[NFL Jerseys]

Adorable butterfly on the "giggle" card! Have a wonderful week! ♥♥ Kay