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Strong Artificial Intelligence: Representations of the Post-Human in Ibm's Watson Computer

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Strong Artificial Intelligence: Representations of the Post-Human in Ibm's Watson Computer
A popular topic among post-human conversation is that of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is a complex and controversial subject that has received, and is still receiving much attention among scholars. The general premise of artificial intelligence is to simulate or surpass one of the core components of human beings, intelligence. Intelligence is a defining feature that sets human beings apart from other living entities, our ability to use logic and reason far surpasses any other creatures’ in the animal kingdom. Many scientist have experimented with the boundaries of intelligence, and it could be broke down into many sub-divisions. For the purpose of this essay I will be exploring notions as well as representations of what is known as ‘Strong Artificial intelligence’. Strong artificial intelligence refers specifically to the artificial intelligence that is meant to exceed human intelligence and is associated with certain characteristics such as consciousness, self-awareness, sentience, and sapience (Steels 75-110).
There is a multitude of possible representations of artificial intelligence in the world of science fiction. However, I don’t have huge repertoire of references for science fictions because my personal preferences don’t really tend to that genre. So instead I chose to analyse a representation that I am a little more familiar with, the IBM Watson computer. Watson is a complex artificial intelligence computer system capable of answering virtually any question it is presented.
In this essay I would like to explore the philosophical aspects of strong artificial intelligence while addressing the spiritual dimension, inherent values, and controversial aspects of my chosen representation.
In 1997, IBM developed an advance computer system named ‘Deep Blue’ that was able to defeat the world’s best chess player, Garry Kasparov (Sostek). I feel it was at around this time that the general population begun to look at computers


Citations: Steels, Luc. "The Artificial Life Roots of Artificial Intelligence." Trans. Array Artificial Life. . 2nd ed MIT Press Journals, 1994. Gunning, David, Vinay K. Chaudhri, and Chris Welty. "Introduction to Special Issues on Question Answering." AI Magazine. 2010: 11-12. Turing, Alan M. "Computing, Machinery and Intelligence." 1950: 433-460. Searle, John R. "Minds, Brains, And Programs ." University of California. Berkeley, CA : 1980. Kurzweil, Ray. "Of Mind and Machines: Philosopoical Mind Experiments." Trans. Array The Age of Spiritual Machine. Print. Sostek, Anya. "Human champs of 'Jeopardy! ' vs. Watson the IBM computer: A Close Match." Pittsburg Post-Gazette. post-gazette.com, 09 2012. Web. <http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/technology/human-champs-of-jeopardy-vs-watson-the-ibm-computer-a-close-match-284466/>. Wikipedia contributors. "Watson (computer)." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 18 Nov. 2012. Web. 25 Nov. 2012. Wikipedia contributors. "Blue Gene." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 4 Dec. 2012. Web. 1 Dec. 2012.
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