Can Machines think?

M@LaiKa · (#1 (**permalink**))

As we head deeper and deeper into a highly computer reliant age, I thought we should contemplate this question.

Prince Hakeem · (#2 (**permalink**))

Machines only do what they have been programmed to by their inventors. Obviously computers and other electronic devices are incapable of independent thought, therefore most jobs will always require humans no matter what. This notion of machines taking over in the future on some I,Robot steez is just sensational nonsense.

kissmylayoff · (#3 (**permalink**))

Have a wonderfully aweSOME New Year Everybody!!!

HLF · (#4 (**permalink**))

It has been a while since this thread was created, but the question was a good "thinker question". A machine, be it a simple industrial one or a more complex computer, they still "process" and as of yet do not (pseudo)"think".

"Compute", "process" are both processions; they are linear and static modes of mining data or information. Real thinking is a process, but not such a linear process as that of computers; thinking involves linear processing but also includes other abilities such as intuit, contextualizing, and sensing-feeling, that is what makes it a robust and dynamic mode of processing data or information.

What may be alarming to some is that processing only requires the data input presented or programmed into the machine to achieve a pre-determine output or thought (even action), it does not have the capacity (unless programmed) to take it upon itself to re-evaulate or assess the source input data for true validity....with that said, if man knows only to process but not think, although he/she may be organic, what would separate him/her from being a machine in that capacity?
Something to think about.

kissmylayoff · (#5 (**permalink**))

Gorgeous picture of a modern day African themed wedding couple, Prince Hakeem! Where'd you ever find it! It's *almost* making me want to get married! lol...almost!

Hmm...lol...hold up! Wait a minute. Wasn't Prince Akeem the name of theEddie Murphy character in...?!?

Lmao! Well, alrighty then!

Shemsi en Tehuti · (#6 (**permalink**))

Yes, computers CAN think.

Technology and the sophistication in heuristics designed determines the intelligence or how well a machine can think.

the soul machine · (#7 (**permalink**))

yea we can i aint human you know.

Oblivion · (#8 (**permalink**))

Will future androids be able to think?

We already have them! What's more, they are capable of becoming world leaders and starting armageddon!

mike pain · (#9 (**permalink**))

if by definition you mean recat to a prediscribed series of events, like we humans then yes, a better question is will the a.i. ever be alive andwhat consitutes life

The Watcher · (#10 (**permalink**))

No they can't. They perform calculations over and over again. There isn't a single operation we use a computer for it actually understands.

mike pain · (#11 (**permalink**))

The Watcher wrote:

Quote:

No they can't. They perform calculations over and over again. There isn't a single operation we use a computer for it actually understands.

have you seen asimo, the robot that walks on its own,.....by the way define understand...

The Watcher · (#12 (**permalink**))

Mike Pain

If I teach you a thing and you memorise what I teach you. Can you apply it to other situations? For example if I teach you a formula, fine you know the rule and can apply it. But can you recognise it if the question doesn't put it in the way you've been taught? Different wording, transposed with different algebra or simply not mentioned. This is being able to understand it.

A computer doesn't do these things.

Another example. You write a big essay out in MS Word. Do you imagine your computer knows what you're talking about? confused3

And yeah I've seen Asimo. He doesn't even have the inteligence of a small rodent.

Black Lion · (#13 (**permalink**))

But then couldn't you program a computer with millions of various reactions to diffrent situations allowing it to choose randomly like you would a CD player on which to go by at any one time?

I mean lets say you've programmed a robot tothink inmillionsof diffrent ways and connected its choice of those settings to varioussituations as you would a firewall for example, hundreds if not thousands of viruses out there,you could program a firewall and virus catcher to react diffrently to each one in the same way it couldbe programmed to deal with various situations its random selection of reactionscould constitute to being 'thought' its persona dictated by the various conditions its been through thus effecting that 'thought' process....