Key research themes
1. How does the Turing Test conceptually address the nature of intelligence and thinking in machines beyond mere behavior imitation?
This research theme explores foundational philosophical interpretations of the Turing Test that transcend orthodox behaviorist views, focusing on the conceptualization of intelligence as an emotional, response-dependent, and socially mediated phenomenon rather than a simple mimicry of human behavior. Understanding these nuances matters because it deepens the theoretical grounding of AI evaluation and highlights limitations of classic testing approaches in capturing machine 'thinking.'
2. What are the limitations and challenges of using the Turing Test as a universal and culturally unbiased measure of machine intelligence?
This theme examines the post-colonial and ethical critiques revealing how the Turing Test and AI’s underlying conceptions of intelligence embed normative assumptions rooted in Global North epistemologies. It matters because it reveals risks of imposing culturally narrow definitions of intelligence worldwide, potentially perpetuating biases and harms and neglecting pluralistic, context-sensitive conceptions essential for responsible AI development and evaluation.
3. How can embodied intelligence and extended forms of interaction enhance the evaluation and development of Artificial General Intelligence beyond the traditional Turing Test?
This theme focuses on shifting AI evaluation from abstract conversational imitation to incorporating embodied action, physical presence, and interactive environments. It matters because intelligence as expressed in situated, adaptive, and contextually embedded behavior arguably better reflects human cognition and can guide the creation of AI systems that genuinely understand and engage with the world, surpassing limitations of purely linguistic tests.