[mlleophelia]

I am doing a research paper on artificial intelligence in American sci-fi. Does anyone have any recomendations as to books, short stories, movies, or websites I should check out? I would also appreciate people's thoughts on where to draw the line between something that is just a machine and something that has the capacity for intelligent thought. Thanks for your help.

[Shehzad]

I believe it was the Turing test which was supposed to define AI. The machine should be able to fool someone it is having a conversation with that it is human.

Oh and here's another definition of artificial intelligence:
When a blonde dyes her hair brown.

[emeraldshade]

Man Plus by Frederik Pohl
Michaelmas by Algis Budrys

I can give you reviews on them if you want http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[emeraldshade]

Intelligence can be seen as the ability to reflect upon oneself on a metaphysical level, and volutarily identify levels "above" itself

[Sammie]

Watch it Shehzad!

Offended blonde.

[Penumbra]

You might consult my article: "On the Eerie Uncertainty of AI" appearing in:
scifantastic.tripod.com

Although it is a mostly humorous look at this venue, I try to raise some of the key points that trouble engineers about it.

[MilSF1]

It would be a sin to omit Asimov's Robot series. I'm sure no one here brought it up because it's just SOOO obvious http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

I also liked the ship AIs in Iain Banks's Excession. Though it can be a bit of a rough read the first time through. They have emotions/feelings/motivations and all. (The anthopologist in me loved the whole idea of "outside context" problems too! In fact, I'm going to reread it now http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif )

On the military side of SF, there is the Bolo series creater by Laumer. In the category of "AI aides" are the "Belisarius" books by Flint and Drake, and the "General" series by Stirling and Drake.

[This message has been edited by MilSF1 (edited November 14, 2001).]

[Shehzad]

Oops Sammie--I manage to offend you waay too often, don't I? http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

Of course Asimov's Robots books are the best resource to start off on. After all, it was Asimov who created the term "Robotics". I, Robot and The Rest of the Robots should be your initial reads.

[vortexreader]

You have to read 'The Positronic Man' by Isaac Asimov & Robert Silverberg. It's a novel lenght version of Asimov's short story...which I think was called 'Bicentennial Man'. Both are the basis for the Robin Williams movie from a while back (but don't let that deter you!). The Asimov/Silverberg collaboration is a truly amazing account of AI and is the only Sci Fi novel that has ever moved me to tears.

[This message has been edited by vortexreader (edited November 15, 2001).]

[mlleophelia]

Thanks for all the great suggestions...now all I have to do is find the time to read them.

MilSF1- Are there any specific books in the series that you mentioned that you especially recommend? I don't know where to start. What stance do those authors have towards AI? I am not very familiar with them or their books.

General question bending my mind at the moment: How can intelligence really be artificial (besides the fact that it was created by something else)? I mean, if something truly is intelligent and can say "cogito ergo sum" and mean it, how can that be anything but genuine?

(and emeraldshade, thanks for the reviews. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif)