Philosophy Midterm Review

Artificial Neural Network (ANN)

A computer system that mimics the human brain using a network of artificial neurons to solve problems.

Behaviorism

An approach focusing on observable behavior, reducing everything, including thinking, to behavior without considering internal thoughts or emotions.

Bensalem

A utopian society in New Atlantis that operates on ideals of scientific advancement.

Common Sense Knowledge Problem

The challenge in AI of teaching machines everyday knowledge that humans take for granted.

Connectionism

A theory modeling brain function through networks of simple units that process information and learn from experience.

Cybernetics

The study of how systems, including AI, communicate and control themselves through feedback loops.

Deep Blue

A chess AI that defeated chess Grandmaster Garry Kasparov.

Enshittification

The process by which online platforms worsen for users as they prioritize profits over user experience.

Embedded and Embodied AI

AI capable of interacting with the physical world, such as robots.

Ethic of Responsibility

The principle of recognizing the impact of AI decisions on society and ensuring technologies are developed with safety and fairness in mind.

Frame Problem

The challenge of identifying which facts remain unchanged in a situation after an action is taken.

Functionalism

The idea that the functions of the mind are more important than the processes by which they are achieved.

House of Salomon

The research institution at the heart of the utopian society Bensalem.

Garry Kasparov

Chess Grandmaster who lost to Deep Blue in a chess match.

GOFAI

A traditional AI approach using symbolic reasoning and representation to solve problems.

Kuno

A young man in a future society who desires to explore the outside world and seek real human connections.

Medium-Independence

The ability of a system to function across different formats or platforms without being limited to one medium.

Mind Design

The endeavor to understand the mind in terms of its design and functioning.

NFAI (New-Fangled AI)

Modern AI that learns from data and adapts over time, contrasting with GOFAI.

Platform

A software system providing tools and resources for developing and managing AI applications.

Technological Determinism

The idea that technology shapes and controls society rather than society influencing technology.

Turing Machine

A theoretical computing device that reads and writes symbols on an infinite tape to solve problems.

Turing Test

A method to determine if a machine can exhibit human-like intelligence through conversation.

Unintended Consequences

The unforeseen effects of technological advancements that can alter lives.

Value-Neutrality of Technology

The concept that technology itself is not inherently good or bad; its impact depends on the user.