The Ideas Behind the Fiction
John Searle (The Chinese Room)
John Searle is a philosopher known for the Chinese Room Argument, which challenges the idea that computers can truly understand language. He argues that machines manipulate symbols but don’t actually understand them—just like a person in a room following instructions in Chinese without knowing the language.
Turing Test
The Turing Test, proposed by Alan Turing, is a way to measure a machine's intelligence. If a computer can carry on a conversation that’s indistinguishable from a human’s, it’s said to have passed the test.
Simulation Theory
Simulation theory is the idea that our reality might be a highly advanced computer simulation created by a more advanced civilization. If future beings can simulate conscious life, then statistically, we’re more likely to be in a simulation than in base reality.
Moral Agency in AI
Moral agency in AI asks if AI can be responsible for its actions. Right now, AI lacks consciousness, free will, and true understanding, so it can’t be a moral agent. Instead, humans are responsible for how AI is designed and used.
