On June 29, 2017 Sir Nigel Shadbolt, a professor of computer science at the University of Oxford and the principal of Jesus College, discussed with the Summer Institute students his research on artificial intelligence. Through discussions and several articles students were able to better understand the concept of artificial intelligence and the different perspectives it entails. Below is a student's reflection on meeting with Sir Nigel Shadbolt and their class discussions.
What struck me the most during our time with Sir Nigel was the realization of how much psychology plays a role in the development of artificial intelligence. In our socratic seminar as well as our Q&A with Sir Nigel, we deconstructed what the definition of Intelligence was. Some people interpreted it as purely how well someone’s memorization and problem solving were. Others had a more holistic view of intelligence, believing that multiple sectors made up a person’s intellect. Through our conversations with each other, I began to wonder how the engineers working in AI would program these computers to think. What kind of mindsets would they have? What theories would they believe? Psychology is about constantly questioning and asking why. This intrigued me because the combination of computers, which are programmed to find solutions, and psychology, which is the study of the flexibility of the human mind, seem so apparently opposite.
Integrating these two contrasting worlds was a study that began in 1956, when John McCarthy, a computer and cognitive scientist, first coined the term Artificial Intelligence (Independent). As the interpretation of intelligence has evolved throughout the decades, so has the development of its artificial counterpart. Sir Nigel is determined to bridge the gap between these two areas of study through the Open Data Institute, which he co-founded in 2012 (Open Data Institute). Their goal is to link research and innovation, in order to address today’s challenges in business. By training individuals to work with data, the ODI is spawning the next generation to continue advancements in creating more efficient societies, which will no doubt will include artificial intelligence.
Integrating these two contrasting worlds was a study that began in 1956, when John McCarthy, a computer and cognitive scientist, first coined the term Artificial Intelligence (Independent). As the interpretation of intelligence has evolved throughout the decades, so has the development of its artificial counterpart. Sir Nigel is determined to bridge the gap between these two areas of study through the Open Data Institute, which he co-founded in 2012 (Open Data Institute). Their goal is to link research and innovation, in order to address today’s challenges in business. By training individuals to work with data, the ODI is spawning the next generation to continue advancements in creating more efficient societies, which will no doubt will include artificial intelligence.
We asked Sir Nigel to what extent did he see artificial intelligence resembling the human mind, and he answered with a very open ended response. Computers are very complex and will be able to do most tasks, but when it comes to reflection and self awareness that is where he draws the line that artificial intelligence will not be able to replace humans. Computers follow algorithmic methods of problem solving, going through every solution until one works. Their programs are based simply on a Yes or No conclusion, whereas humans tend to ponder and question indefinitely. We also discussed how media, such as movies and TV shows, portrayed AI. Sir Nigel said that it would be highly unlikely that artificial intelligence would take over the world, such as in these dystopic societies. He did say, however, that with the rapid advancement of technology, there will have to be laws implemented to limit artificial intelligence for appropriate uses only, because technology as powerful as AI could eventually harm humans, both physically and economically.
- Kristin Jai
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