A Test for Artificial Intelligence

Following on my previous entry regarding computer consciousness, I’d like to propose what I believe is an obvious test for artificial intelligence. If someone creates a machine someday that she claims is thinking on its own and is not merely exhibiting an acute case of “Hiya” (see below), I think the proof to support that claim should be easy: show me the magic. In other words, show me that this machine has done something that is beyond my ability to comprehend, and beyond the ability of any other human to comprehend, and I’ll agree you’ve made your case. If you want to show me that you have truly created artificial intelligence you need to make a machine that can do something that no human being can grasp. For example, the fact that I can design and produce a digital camera is proof that my intelligence is not merely an extension of parakeet intelligence. Why? Because the concepts underlying a digital camera are entirely beyond the grasp of a parakeet. Therefore, my intelligence can’t merely be a scaled-up expression of the bird’s intellect; it is of a science beyond the bird's making. Similarly, a machine capable of artificial intelligence should be able to design and produce something beyond my or any other human’s conceptual grasp. Do that and you’ve got my attention. Do that and I’ll agree that you’re the first pioneer to cross over into the uncharted (and unchartable) regions of “Aieee!”