No edit summary |
mNo edit summary |
||
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
|} |
|} |
||
| − | '''Artificial intelligence''' (or '''computer intelligence''') is a term used in the |
+ | '''Artificial intelligence''' (or '''computer intelligence''') is a term used in the fields of [[cybernetics]], [[computer science]], and related disciplines, to describe [[computer]] hardware and software sophisticated enough to reason independently, form new conclusions, and alter its own responses. |
| − | The [[android]] [[Data]], built in the early [[24th century]], may be an example of a true artificial intelligence according to this definition. ({{TNG| |
+ | The [[android]] [[Data]], built in the early [[24th century]], may be an example of a true artificial intelligence according to this definition. ({{TNG|Encounter at Farpoint}}) So might certain other androids, notably, [[Ruk]], an artifact of the [[Old Ones (Exo III)|Old Ones]] of [[Exo III]]. ({{TOS|What Are Little Girls Made Of?}}) Data was equipped by his creator, [[Noonien Soong]], with a [[positronic brain]], based on an advanced neural-net design. He was eventually deemed an independent [[lifeform]], with the rights and responsibilities of other life, lending weight to the notion that he qualifies as an artificial intelligence. ({{TNG|The Measure Of A Man}}) |
The question of whether machines can achieve the capacity for self-awareness or [[emotion]]al feeling ([[sentience]]) remains controversial. ({{TNG|The Measure Of A Man}}; {{film|7}}) |
The question of whether machines can achieve the capacity for self-awareness or [[emotion]]al feeling ([[sentience]]) remains controversial. ({{TNG|The Measure Of A Man}}; {{film|7}}) |
||
Revision as of 21:37, 27 June 2008
Artificial Intelligence | |
|---|---|
| Lt. Commander Data. | |
| Data | |
| The Think tank robot. | |
| Think Tank robot | |
| Landru. | |
| Landru |
Artificial intelligence (or computer intelligence) is a term used in the fields of cybernetics, computer science, and related disciplines, to describe computer hardware and software sophisticated enough to reason independently, form new conclusions, and alter its own responses.
The android Data, built in the early 24th century, may be an example of a true artificial intelligence according to this definition. (TNG: "Encounter at Farpoint") So might certain other androids, notably, Ruk, an artifact of the Old Ones of Exo III. (TOS: "What Are Little Girls Made Of?") Data was equipped by his creator, Noonien Soong, with a positronic brain, based on an advanced neural-net design. He was eventually deemed an independent lifeform, with the rights and responsibilities of other life, lending weight to the notion that he qualifies as an artificial intelligence. (TNG: "The Measure Of A Man")
The question of whether machines can achieve the capacity for self-awareness or emotional feeling (sentience) remains controversial. (TNG: "The Measure Of A Man"; Star Trek Generations)
Most of the computer systems in use by the Federation and similar powers would probably not qualify; they are very powerful, but nevertheless remain essentially data storage, retrieval, and coordination devices.
Even certain highly advanced alien computers may or may not meet this criterion. Landru ruled Beta III for almost 6,000 years, but Kirk and Spock deduced its nature in less than a day. (That its subjects did not is probably a consequence of the near reverence in which they held Landru.) (TOS: "The Return of the Archons")
In late 2367, Geordi La Forge wanted to attend a seminar about artificial intelligence on Risa. (TNG: "The Mind's Eye")
See also
- Self-aware programs
- Self-aware machines
Background
Of course, the computers in use by the Federation may be significantly more powerful than we are shown. Since the stories have always been about Human, and to a lesser extent alien, interaction, the computers serve a role as storytelling springboards, more than characters, with the notable exceptions of Data and the Doctor.