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The Turing test: Can a computer pass for a human? - Alex Gendler

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What is consciousness? Can an artificial machine really think? For many, these have been vital considerations for the future of artificial intelligence. But British computer scientist Alan Turing decided to disregard all these questions in favor of a much simpler one: Can a computer talk like a human? Alex Gendler describes the Turing test and details some of its surprising results.

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Additional Resources for you to Explore

To find out more, you can read Turing’s original paper that started it all. Then take a look at actual transcripts of conversations with early chatbots, as well as more recent Loebner prize winners. For a well-known criticism of the ideas behind the Turing Test, read John Searle’s paper on the Chinese Room thought experiment. Finally, for a closer look at the many elements and strategies involved in both human and computer conversations, check out Brian Christian’s book The Most Human Human.

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

Educator
Alex Gendler
Director
Patrick Smith
Animator
Patrick Smith
Narrator
Addison Anderson

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