Readings README (Do not skip!)
What is intelligence?
How do experts talk about it?
What has been uncovered?
What uniquely separates the phenomenon of intelligence from other similar phenomena in the world?
Are animals other than humans also intelligent?
Note: You are encouraged to find other material on this topic (please let instructor know if you find interesting things).
When engineers make an artifact, like a bridge or a space rocket, they start by listing the artifact's requirements. This way, for any proposed implementation, they can check their progress by comparing the performance of a prototype to these. The below papers consider what are necessary and sufficient requirements for a machine with real intelligence. (Therefore, these speak to defining what 'intelligent systems' in fact really means.)
Artificial intelligence (AI) started as a research field. It still is. Just like research results in physics are useful for engineering, results in AI are useful for industry. AI is still in formation, much like computer science. It is a knowledge-generating enterprise funded by the public through universities and competitive research grants. Applications of AI are funded by companies and through various other means (including competitive grants for applied research). The knowledge generated in AI research is in part determined by the nature of the enterprise - how it's organized, who are the influencers, what are low-hanging fruit, etc.
How to Use This Page
Note: DO NOT SKIP READING THE BELOW TEXT
Papers under each section are ordered from most to least important, so start counting from the top.
[ x,y ]
x: necessary mandatory number of papers to be read – absolute minimum number.
y: the recommended number.
No number: Read all the papers listed.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you grasp the concepts covered; the readings are my top choices for getting this done. However, if you are aware of alternative sources of treatment of the concepts covered in these you may prefer to read about them from your preferred source. If in doubt, ask me.
You are expected to read a lot of papers in this course, at least 3-4 papers per week (5 recommended). Keep at it and you'll be fine!
Assigned readings should be read before class.
If you do so you will already have some familiarity with the subject matter, which not only means you will remember it better but also that you can ask questions for clarification during the lecture and partially steer its direction.
Reading the papers after class is less effective.
Warning: Do not attempt to read them during class - this is absolutely the worst way to cover this material (but of course you may have it open for reference).
Reading the assigned readings not at all should generally be avoided.
As you read papers from each of the following categories I want you ask yourself a few questions:
If you can answer them satisfactorily when you're done reading you're good! Even if you can't you'll be fine if you: Write down the discrepancies and bring them to class in the form of questions. There is no such thing as a 'stupid question' when you're learning something new.
EOF