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Wolfram Promises Computing That Answers Questions
An anonymous reader writes "Computer scientist Stephen Wolfram feels that he has put together at least the initial version of a computer that actually answers factual questions, a la Star Trek's ship computers. His version will be found on their Web-based application, Wolfram Alpha. What does this mean? Well, instead of returning links to pages that may (or may not) contain the answer to your questions, Wolfram will respond with the actual answer. Just imagine typing in 'How many bones are in the human body?' and getting the answer." Right now, though the search entry field is in place, Alpha is not yet generally available -- only "to a few select individuals."
package com.wolfram;
public class Alpha {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("42");
}
}
Q: How many bones are in the human body?
A: Did the human in question eat fish recently?
There is no need to fully parse natural languages (or to substitute them with made up languages you can parse...) in order to answer questions posed in natural languages. Indeed, one does not need to *understand* a question (in whatever AI meaning you want) in order to find its answer.
I don't think this can be examined without language issues. Lojban attempts to make a parsable constructed language (currently undergoing a few grammar issues, but mostly locked down). As we get closer to the Singularity, with regards to infant-style general AI and perhaps even transhuman implants (thought detector or such), we'll see perhaps a myriad of unambiguous languages.
Your cautiousness and pragmatism in the first two sentences was noted and admired. Then you used the word Singularity in the Vinge sense, and my woo-detector pegged.
Either:
1. Windows version of program crashes without answering
2. Mac version of program says "after your next question, smartass"
3. Linux version of program says never, 'cos it can't even drive a car
Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. - Voltaire
A: Adult content detected, please submit age verification to see the answer.
Wolfram seems to be his, er, original self as always. Isn't phrasing search results in the form of a question old news by now?
Q: How many bones are in the human body?
A: How does bones are in the human body make you feel?
Why would someone brand something that was supposed to be an intelligent machine as "W".
My buddy Guido can reduce the number.
"will you answer no to this question?" kernel panic
You look for an answer until you find it or give up.
Oh, so (i) you don't understand the question, then (ii) you look for an answer, (iii, A) you find it (how? how will you know you found it?), or (iii, B) you give up.
Just wanted to make sure that this thread was really about this. Here's a new low, even for slashdot.
Q: How many bones are in the human body
A: What do you mean? An African or European body?
Q: Huh? I... I don't know that. [NO CARRIER]
Why are people presuming that the program will be limited to yes/no answers? Q: Will you answer no to this question? A: It's rather unlikely. (Or, "I doubt it" or any of several different answers.)
Q: What made you think it's rather unlikely? kernel panic
Try asking what is the latest ubuntu release.
three, sir
Check out my sysadmin blog!
I'm not sure I really want to trust a product by Wolfram and Heart. Seems like there is a possibility of some soul loss.
"You should always go to other people's funerals; otherwise, they won't come to yours." -- Yogi Berra
I'd be impressed if it could answer "Could you explain your previous answer using a car analogy?"
The Internet is generally stupid
You look for an answer until you find it or give up.
Oh, so (i) you don't understand the question, then (ii) you look for an answer, (iii, A) you find it (how? how will you know you found it?)
Once you have found the answer only then will you understand the question, grasshooper.