Robots and Humans: Similar and Different Ways of Thinking

Abstract

The original dream of many Artificial Intelligence researchers was the creation of artificial intellects within various domains, intellects that functioned in ways that were modelled on human thought processes. Some examples of these domains are discussed, with reference to the extent to which the achievements of AI within those domains have been based on such models, and the extent to which very different methods have proved to be the most successful. This discussion leads to predictions concerning future directions for (successful) AI research and some ethical implications for these directions.