Turing''s Imitation Game : Conversations with the Unknown

This book provides an account of the Turing Imitation Game, its history and implications, illustrated with practical tests. From looking at these real conversations between hidden entities, readers will be encouraged to determine which is human and which is machine, as well as asking the fundamental question of what exactly makes 'human conversation'.

Can you tell the difference between talking to a human and talking to a machine? Or, is it possible to create a machine which is able to converse like a human? In fact, what is it that even makes us human? Turing's Imitation Game, commonly known as the Turing Test, is fundamental to the science of artificial intelligence. Involving an interrogator conversing with hidden identities, both human and machine, the test strikes at the heart of any questions about the capacity of machines to behave as humans. While this subject area has shifted dramatically in the last few years, this book offers an up-to-date assessment of Turing's Imitation Game, its history, context and implications, all illustrated with practical Turing tests. The contemporary relevance of this topic and the strong emphasis on example transcripts makes this book an ideal companion for undergraduate courses in artificial intelligence, engineering or computer science.