piatra . institutepathways
Explore/Computer science & programming/Begin with Alan Turing

What does a proposed test of machine intelligence actually test?

An operational test specifies an observable performance; its relation to a broader concept must still be argued.

Computer science & programmingThinker · Selected readingBeginner friendly
Background and goal

No prior study required. Read the assigned passage; the route is an introduction, not a survey of the whole subject.

Write a machine-evaluation protocol and give one way to pass it that would leave a further question about intelligence unresolved.

Your pathway

4 steps · 3 hours
  1. 01

    Begin in fifteen minutes

    0.25h · week 1
    Reading notes and task
    First fifteen minutesWrite your initial answer to “What does a proposed test of machine intelligence actually test?” in three sentences. Keep it to compare with your final answer.
    Your outputThree-sentence starting answer
  2. 02

    Read the argument

    1h · week 1
    Alan Turing

    Andrew Hodges · reference

    Opening overview and the first section that addresses the pathway question. Stop after 30–45 minutes; this is selected reading.

    Free full text

    Open the reading
    Reading notes and task

    Alan Turing. Context for what does a proposed test of machine intelligence actually test?

    Try thisRead Opening overview and the first section that addresses the pathway question. Stop after 30–45 minutes; this is selected reading.. Mark one claim, its reason and a passage you do not yet understand.
    Your outputAnnotated argument
    Check your understanding

    Answer this question in your own words: What does a proposed test of machine intelligence actually test?

    Hint

    Name the claim, then explain why a reader might accept it.

    Compare with an example answer

    An operational test specifies an observable performance; its relation to a broader concept must still be argued.

    What to look for

    • States a claim that addresses the question
    • Connects the claim to a passage or observation
    • Separates the author’s argument from personal agreement

    Common mistake: Summarising a biography instead of explaining the argument.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

  3. 03

    Try the idea

    1h · week 1
    Reading notes and task
    Try thisWrite a machine-evaluation protocol and give one way to pass it that would leave a further question about intelligence unresolved.
    Your outputWorked example
    Check your understanding

    What would make your activity a convincing example?

    Hint

    Write a machine-evaluation protocol and give one way to pass it that would leave a further question about intelligence unresolved.

    Compare with an example answer

    A useful response carries out the task: Write a machine-evaluation protocol and give one way to pass it that would leave a further question about intelligence unresolved. It records the observation or passage used and explains how it bears on the question.

    What to look for

    • Completes the specific task
    • Shows evidence or reasoning rather than only a conclusion
    • Identifies an alternative explanation or reading

    Common mistake: Presenting an opinion without showing the example it rests on.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

  4. 04

    Explain what changed

    0.75h · week 1
    Reading notes and task
    Try thisRevise your initial answer. Include one passage, one reason and one limit: The imitation game, computability and reaction–diffusion are distinct contributions, not one theorem about all intelligence.
    Your outputRevised answer with a reading reference
    Check your understanding

    What is one conclusion this reading does not establish?

    Hint

    Test the boundary: The imitation game, computability and reaction–diffusion are distinct contributions, not one theorem about all intelligence.

    Compare with an example answer

    The imitation game, computability and reaction–diffusion are distinct contributions, not one theorem about all intelligence.

    What to look for

    • States a specific limit
    • Explains why the reading does not warrant the stronger conclusion
    • Distinguishes a limitation from dismissing the work

    Common mistake: Treating a useful interpretation as an unrestricted fact.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

All 1 resources

Background, different viewpoints, and further reading.

  • Alan Turing

    Andrew Hodgesreferencecore

    Context for what does a proposed test of machine intelligence actually test?

    Opening overview and the first section that addresses the pathway question. Stop after 30–45 minutes; this is selected reading.

Continue learning

  • Study Alan Turing

    Introduces the question and vocabulary used in the longer selected reading.

    Computer science & programmingSome background