Artificial Intelligence and Life

Progressive scientific optimists in Western societies are often heard to promote two main projects: that of nuclear fusion and of artificial intelligence. While billions of dollars have been invested in both of these areas and very little has happened, proponents are still claiming that a breakthrough is very near. To understand why the difficulties seem to be insurmountable just before reaching the goal, it is necessary to investigate some of the main thoughts and attitudes of the artificial intelligence, or the AI, area. However, as we shall see, this investigation will be less about computers than about the nature of consciousness and mind.