Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology creates the illusion of intelligence. Today’s AI researchers are the Harry Houdinis of our day, conjuring up new technologies that produce impressive results. Yet when you look inside to see what is actually going on, artificial stupidity (from a human’s point of view) is often the norm. The reality is that AI systems today are neither “artificial” nor “intelligent.” We are building superficial intelligence systems. No matter; the ends justify the means.
Games are microcosms of the real world and are used to illustrate the fundamental technologies that are behind popular commercial AI products. The secrets of the computer’s successes are revealed and, although easy to understand, are often counter-intuitive. No human would ever mimic the computer’s approach, yet it is hard to argue with success.
The descriptions given are non-technical. With your new-found understanding of how AI enables computers to achieve superhuman performance, this course gives intuitive insight into how this transformative technology is going to revolutionize our world.
Instructor: Jonathan Schaeffer
Jonathan Schaeffer is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Computing Science at the University of Alberta. His research is in artificial intelligence, inventing algorithms that facilitate computers achieving high performance at human tasks. Much of his research has been demonstrated using games, including chess, checkers and poker. He is a co-founder of Amii (2002), one of the three national AI Centres, and a co-founder of Onlea (onlea.org), a company specializing in the creation of engaging online learning experiences.
