Playing God: Artificial Intelligence

Research Paper # 107800

Computer and Technology > Software
Computer and Technology > Technology
Religion and Theology

An in-depth analysis of artificial intelligence, in its current and future forms, and some of the implications of creating and using artificial life.

3,369 words () | 11 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper describes what constitutes artificial intelligence and examines the history of the term, comparing the original goals scientists set for artificial intelligence with the goals that are being worked on today. The author discusses many of the achievements in the field, as well as the limitations of computers and how scientists are trying to build machines capable of dealing with non-quantifiable, non-logical data. The author raises many questions regarding the scientific, legal, and moral implications of creating artificial life forms and points out that until what exactly defines humanity in humans is agreed upon, there can be no concrete answer to whether or not it can be re-created in digital form. The author concludes that it will be necessary to look to the fields of theology, philosophy, and ethics in order to develop a responsible, balanced, and ethical use of artificial intelligence today and in the future.

From the Paper:

"Before one can even begin to discuss artificial intelligence in its future, fully realized form, one must examine the use of artificial intelligence in machines and programs today that show its potential for independence. For example, the evolution of artificial intelligence mirrors the development of organic life in that it starts out simply. These simple examples must be studied and understood, as they will form the basis of the behavior of the complex incarnations of artificial intelligence. In other words, we must establish the point at which we will begin to consider a computer alive."

Sample of Sources Used:

Adami, Christoph. Introduction to Artificial Life. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1998.
Baard, Mark. "AI Founder Blasts Modern Research." WIRED. http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2003/05/58714? currentPage=all (accessed 30 Nov. 2007).
Cohn, David. "AI Reaches the Golden Years." WIRED. http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2006/07/71389 (accessed 30 Nov. 2007).
Delio, Michelle. "Bots Battle, Breed in A.I. Test." WIRED. http://www.wired.com/gadgets/miscellaneous/news/2002/02/50247? currentPage=all (accessed 30 Nov. 2007).
Falstien, Noah, "HAL and Mycroft: A Tale of Two Computers," Game Developer, October 2007, 41.

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APA Citation:

Playing God: Artificial Intelligence (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Research-Paper-Playing-God-Artificial-Intelligence/107800

MLA Citation:

"Playing God: Artificial Intelligence" 15 January 2012. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. <http://www.academon.com/Research-Paper-Playing-God-Artificial-Intelligence/107800>