Plastic machines: behavioural diversity and the Turing test
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to consider Turing's test and his objections to the idea that a machine might eventually pass it. Discusses behavioural diversity in relation to the Turing test. Design/methodology/approach - The paper argues that this objection cannot be dismissed easily, taking the view that the diversity exhibited by human behaviour is characterised by a kind of context-sensitive adaptive plasticity. Draws on Descartes' arguments and artificial intelligence to interpret the Turing test. Findings - It is found that the distinctive context-sensitive adaptive plasticity of human behaviour explains why the Turing test is such a stringent test for the presence of thought and why it is much harder to pass than Turing himself may have realised. Originality/value - This paper provides an unique view of Turing's test that will assist researchers in assessing its value and its goals.
behaviour artificial intelligence cybernetics man-machine interface