Artificial Intelligence and Scientific Method

This insightful book examines advancements in artificial intelligence and their philosophical implications, including the potential for computers to surpass human intelligence.

In Artificial Intelligence and Scientific Method, Donald Gillies explores the significant advancements in artificial intelligence over the last two decades and their far-reaching implications for philosophy. The author takes a clear and accessible approach, making complex ideas understandable to a broader audience. He delves into two primary areas of AI: the principles of machine learning rooted in Turing's work and the evolution of logic programming, particularly its ties to non-monotonic logic. This examination reveals how contemporary perspectives on the scientific method are being challenged by these developments in AI.

Gillies argues that the advancements in artificial intelligence not only reshape our understanding of logic but also prompt a reevaluation of the scientific method itself. By proposing a new framework for studying logic, he encourages readers to consider the philosophical ramifications of AI's growth. The book draws on the insights of influential thinkers such as Bacon, Gödel, Popper, Penrose, and Lucas, which enriches the discussion and situates AI within a broader intellectual context.

The question of whether computers could surpass human intelligence is a central theme in Artificial Intelligence and Scientific Method. Gillies navigates this contentious issue, providing a thought-provoking analysis that invites readers to reflect on the future of both AI and human cognition. This work serves as a crucial contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of technology and philosophy.