AI and the Illusion of Intelligence

Copenhagen Business School via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-and-the-illusion-of-intelligence

Introduction

**Course Review: AI and the Illusion of Intelligence on Coursera** In an age where advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) dominate headlines and fuel debates, the course titled **"AI and the Illusion of Intelligence"** on Coursera offers a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective that challenges popular assumptions about machines and human intelligence. Far from the technical jargon often associated with AI discussions, this course provides an engaging exploration of the philosophical and historical contexts surrounding the development of AI, while cleverly dissecting the nuances of what intelligence truly means. ### Course Overview This course raises the crucial question: Will AI soon surpass human intelligence? By acknowledging that this is perhaps the wrong question, it guides learners to understand that the extraordinary progress in AI is not indicative of intelligence in the human sense, but rather an illusion crafted through sophisticated technologies and algorithms. ### Weekly Breakdown **Week 1: Illusions of Intelligence** The first module sets the foundation for the course, diving deep into the history of ideas related to machines and intelligence. It frames the landscape of AI by discussing longstanding philosophical inquiries and establishes that the expectations we have of AI often stem from misconceptions about its capabilities. **Week 2: The Technology of Language** Here, learners will explore the cognitive revolution that has brought us closer to understanding human intelligence, particularly in relation to language. The remarkable advancements in language technology are presented as not just technical achievements, but as milestones in comprehending what it means to communicate. This week emphasizes that while machines can replicate language use, the underlying nuances of human communication remain elusive. **Week 3: Will Computers Ever Understand Us?** As we delve further into AI's capabilities, this week questions the common assumption that AI may one day genuinely understand human meaning. Through engaging discussions, learners will contemplate whether it is feasible to expect a machine to genuinely grasp the depths of human expression and understanding. **Week 4: AI - A New Kind of Being?** The final module brings in the provocative ideas of Alan Turing and his conception of the Turing Test. It examines the limits inherent in computing and concludes that while AI can amplify human abilities, it cannot encapsulate the dynamic and evolving nature of human intelligence. ### Overall Impression "AI and the Illusion of Intelligence" is an enlightening course that artfully mixes historical context, philosophical inquiry, and contemporary discussions on AI. Its non-technical approach makes it accessible to a wider audience, including those who may feel intimidated by more technical AI courses. The instructors are knowledgeable and engage students in critical thinking that transcends mere technical knowledge, promoting a deeper understanding of intelligence, both artificial and human. ### Recommendation I highly recommend "AI and the Illusion of Intelligence" for anyone interested in unraveling the complexities of artificial intelligence and its implications for our understanding of human intelligence. Whether you are a seasoned professional in technology, a student of philosophy, or merely a curious learner, this course will equip you with the insights needed to navigate the evolving landscape of AI. With its unique perspective, you will not only enhance your understanding of AI but also challenge your assumptions about the nature of intelligence itself. Join the class today, and prepare to reconsider the interplay between AI and the intricate tapestry of human cognition!

Syllabus

Week 1: Illusions of Intelligence

Can AI match or surpass human intelligence? This is rapidly becoming the central question of our time -- but as we will see, it's the wrong question. In this module we will see that we can gain insight from centuries-old ideas about machines and intelligence.

Week 2: The Technology of Language

As Turing foresaw over a half-century ago, there has been a stunning development in computer technology, to the point where computers can mimic aspects of human intelligence. But something much bigger has happened -- we have begun for the first time in history to profoundly understand the nature of human intelligence, especially concerning language, in what has become known as the cognitive revolution. When we think about AI, we tend to think about the machines -- but in fact, it has always been all about us.

Week 3: Will Computers Ever Understand Us?

There has been impressive progress in AI development, especially concerning language technology. But the whole point of using language is to communicate meaning -- is AI progressing towards the goal of understanding meaning? Does it even make sense to think that a computer could understand us?

Week 4: AI -- a New Kind of Being?

With the Turing Test, Alan Turing suggested that computers might conceivably match or even surpass humans -- this is something more and more people are worried about. But Turing also showed, with the Halting Problem, that many problems go beyond what can ever be computed. There's no reason to assume that human intelligence could ever be captured by computation. More importantly, human intelligence and abilities are not static -- and AI is best thought of as a way of amplifying human abilities.