What is a chatbot?
Chatbots are AI programs that simulate conversational interactions with users via text or voice. Early chatbots, like ELIZA (1966) and PARRY (1972), used pattern matching. Recent advances, like LLMs, allow more natural conversations, as seen in systems like ChatGPT (2022). However, challenges remain in achieving human-level discourse.
The Turing test, proposed in 1950, established a landmark for assessing intelligence by a computer’s ability to impersonate human conversation. Despite limitations, it established a philosophical foundation for AI. However, early systems like ELIZA passed the test using scripted responses without true understanding, calling into question the test’s validity as an evaluation of AI. The test also faced criticism for relying on deceit and for limitations in its format that constrained the complexity of questioning. Philosophers like John Searle argued symbolic manipulation alone did not equate to human-level intelligence...
