Can Machines Truly Think

TL;DR

This paper explores whether machines can genuinely think by examining the fundamental assumptions about the nature of thought and its potential emulation through algorithms, highlighting philosophical and technical considerations.

Contribution

It critically analyzes the assumptions behind machine thought and discusses the implications of achieving or emulating thought algorithmically.

Findings

Thought may be fundamentally different from algorithmic processes

Emulating thought requires redefining what 'thinking' entails

The question challenges the limits of artificial intelligence

Abstract

Can machines truly think? This question and its answer have many implications that depend, in large part, on any number of assumptions underlying how the issue has been addressed or considered previously. A crucial question, and one that is almost taken for granted, is the starting point for this discussion: Can "thought" be achieved or emulated by algorithmic procedures?