Artificial Intelligence Essay, Research Paper

A Critical Analysis of “12: Machines Will Be Smarter Than We Are”

In today’s rapidly changing world, technology has given us a possible future in the field of Artificial Intelligence. An August, 1999 article entitled “12: Machines Will Be Smarter Than We Are,” explains how Artificial Intelligence is inevitable. It also explains when and how it will transform civilization. The facts and examples used in the article may not give a full picture of the situation, but succeed in presenting a strong argument.

The major strength of this article is the number of examples and quotes that the author uses to support his/her claim. For example, the author states that “the arrival of silicon life will transform civilization”. Later in that same paragraph the author uses a quote from Kevin Warwick, head of cybernetics research at Britain’s University, which states, “machines will subjugate humanity by 2050″ (Business Week 4). Another quote the author uses to support his/her claim is from John C. Carson, chief technology officer at Irvine Sensors Corp., a Silicon Valley chip company. John says that silicon life could transform civilization “as early as 2005″ (Business Week 3). These examples and quotes give strength to the author’s claim that Artificial Intelligence is right around the corner, and will transform civilization.

In addition, the author’s writing style and arrangement further strengthen his article. Most readers would find it is easy to read this article and find the most important bits of information. Although the author uses long paragraphs, he/she uses easily understandable vocabulary, which keeps the reader from getting lost. For example, one of the author’s topic sentences reads, “At the moment, computers who no sign of intelligence” (Business Week 1). This topic sentence is easy to read and understand, which makes the article flow better. Furthermore, the author’s arrangement of information strengthens his/her article. For example, most of the article follows a pattern of giving an opinion, support or quotes. This arrangement of opinion and support makes the article easy to follow and understand. Overall, the style and arrangement of the author’s article make it easy to read and comprehend, which in turn strengthens the article.

One weakness in the author’s article is that he doesn’t give a complete picture of the “Artificial Intelligence” argument. Many times the author uses examples favoring his opinion, instead of giving views from both sides. Also, many of his facts and examples do not contain in-depth analysis. For example, the author says “Intelligent computers are now considered as inevitable as Moore’s Law–the 1965 dictum…power”(Business Week 2). Then he/she jumps into another topic without giving further details on Moore’s Law. Although the author doesn’t always give a complete picture and details, this does not drastically weaken the article.

To summarize, this article contains many valuable facts and examples about “Artificial Intelligence.” Perhaps a more detailed picture of the situation could be included, but this is not necessary to achieve the purpose of the article. Even though the article does not contain leads to other sources, I will be able to use many of the facts and examples to strengthen my research topic. Also, the main idea and argument in the article should create new topic ideas for my research.