Several objections to the Turing Test, including:

1. The I/O Objection
2. Simulation Objection
3. The Black Box Object

The I/O Objection

(Jack Copeland calls this the Chimpanzee Objection.)

Turing originally proposed interactions between the observer and the computer/person A through a teletype (a simple terminal).

• This reflected the type of interface imagined and used at the time.
• A common interface would provide a neutral environment, so neither the computer or person A would have an advantage.

The I/O Objection argues that this interface may be unnecessarily restrictive.

• Turing Test relies on natural language communication (e.g., English or other common language).
• All involved with the test must agree upon the language
  (e.g., if observer spoke only English, but person A spoke only Greek or Russian, then the A would be at a great disadvantage)
• It is common to think that chimpanzees and dolphins have a level of intelligence, but neither could use a teletype.

Summary:

• Entities may have intelligence but fail the Turing Test; but
• passing the turing Test may provide strong evidence of intelligence.

created 8 January 2007 last revised 8 January 2007

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