1. Are Expert Systems Really Experts? Introduction to Expert Systems Slide 1 Università di Salerno: April 2004 Are Expert Systems Really Experts? Different Approaches Cognitive Simulation The A.I. Approach Strong versus Weak A.IT The Chinese Room Example Dr David Anderson University of Portsmouth

2. Are Expert Systems Really Experts? Introduction to Expert Systems Slide 2 Università di Salerno: April 2004 The Cognitive Simulation Approach Point is to throw light on the (human) mind. Programs serve to test theories. Models are judged by the degree to which programs can reproduce human levels of performance N.B. The machine must use the same methods we use

3. Are Expert Systems Really Experts? Introduction to Expert Systems Slide 3 Università di Salerno: April 2004 The Artificial Intelligence Approach Aims to build machines that can do things which, if done by us, would require intelligence. Lack of concern with how computers perform their actions What computers can do is all important.

4. Are Expert Systems Really Experts? Introduction to Expert Systems Slide 4 Università di Salerno: April 2004 Searle’s Distinction Weak A.I. The principal value of computers in the study of mind is for the formulation and testing of hypotheses. Strong A.I. Programs are not tools to test psychological explanations Program are explanations. “Strong A.I. is playing at science........(I seek) the relentless exposure of its preposterousness.”

5. Are Expert Systems Really Experts? Introduction to Expert Systems Slide 5 Università di Salerno: April 2004 The Chinese Room The Elements A room closed off from the outside world except for...... A communications hatch A dumb waiter Bushel Baskets (2 Sets) Full of Chinese Symbols A Rule Book (in English) Rules for correlating the two sets of symbols You!

6. Are Expert Systems Really Experts? Introduction to Expert Systems Slide 6 Università di Salerno: April 2004 The Test Itself A message (in Chinese) is passed into the room You compare the symbols which make up the message with the symbols in the first set of bushel baskets The newly arranged symbols are passed out of the room. Using the rule book, you select a set of symbols from the second basket andarrange them as directed. Repeat as necessary

7. Are Expert Systems Really Experts? Introduction to Expert Systems Slide 7 Università di Salerno: April 2004 The Test from the outside A question is asked in Chinese. Another question is asked. An appropriate Chinese answer is given. Another answer is given. Conclusion:- T here is someone in the room who understands Chinese

8. Are Expert Systems Really Experts? Introduction to Expert Systems Slide 8 Università di Salerno: April 2004 The Test from the inside Gibberish is sent into the room. The rules help you select and arrange other gibberish and pass it out of the room. Conclusion:- There is no-one in the room who understands Chinese.

9. Are Expert Systems Really Experts? Introduction to Expert Systems Slide 9 Università di Salerno: April 2004 Variations on a theme (1) The Systems Reply Understanding is a property of systems as a whole. The Robot Reply House the program in a robot so that it can do more of the things which humans can do. The Brain Simulator Reply Simulate the actual sequence of neuron firings of a native Chinese speaker.

10. Are Expert Systems Really Experts? Introduction to Expert Systems Slide 10 Università di Salerno: April 2004 Variations on a theme (2) The Other Minds Reply If you are right how can we ever say anyone is thinking, feeling, etc. The ‘Hunk of Junk’ Objection Only something that has the same causal powers as brains can think. Simulation Why should anyone ever think that a simulation of intelligence should actually be intelligent?