In this, the era of artificial intelligence (AI), we face the same dilemma described by Mary Shelly almost two hundred years ago in the tragic tale of Frankenstein.
The Turing Test is “…a test for intelligence in a computer, requiring that a human being should be unable to distinguish the machine from another human being by using the replies to questions put to both.” The test is named after Alan Turing, an English mathematician who pioneered artificial intelligence during the 1940s and 1950s, and who is credited with devising the original version of the test. In Turing’s test, if a person conducting the test is unable to consistently determine whether an answer has been given by a computer or by another human being, then the computer is considered to have “passed” the test.
This test lies at the core of the indie sci-fi hit of 2015, Ex Machina. How would a contemporary Frankenstein look, feel and act? First of a all, she would be as beautiful as you imagine, knowledgeable on all of the subjects of prime interest to you and capable of engaging in lively thought-provoking dialogue. Meet Ava… on Thursday, January 21 at Greens N Grains Deli’s bi-weekly Dinner and a Movie screening.
How does a robot deal with uncertainty? If a robot is to successfully pass for human it must deeply understand its physical environment and the people it interacts with. As we seek to perfect AI technology, advancing toward developing robots out of a fusion of hardware and software, we seek to replicate the structure of neurons found in the human brain. This film by writer-turned-director Alex Garland, takes us into the near future when that has taken place. The foundation for Ex Machina was laid when Garland was 11 or 12 years old, after he had done some basic coding and experimentation on a computer his parents had bought him and which he sometimes felt had a mind of its own. His later ideas came from years of discussions with a friend with expertise in neuroscience, who claimed machines could never become sentient.
It is difficult to talk about this 2015 British, science fiction, psychological thriller without introducing spoilers. Made on a budget of $15 million, the film grossed over $36 million worldwide and received critical acclaim. The National Board of Review recognized it as one of the ten best independent films of the year. Alicia Vikander (Ava) has received several accolades for her performance in the film, including nominations for a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA Award.
“To erase the line between man and machine is to obscure the line between men and gods.” warns the trailer…
Greens N Grains Cafe offers a natural and organic dinner special each evening before the screening. Enjoy a delicious soup specialty, salad, a fresh baked roll and a cup of tea for $7.50, available from 6 pm on. Dinner and a Movie Night screenings take place at 7 pm and there is no charge to attend, but seating at screenings is limited to 28 people. Dinner and film reservations are requested. RSVP by calling 920.868.9999 or by email to info@greens-n-grains.com.
Greens N Grains Cafe is open Thurs., Fri. and Sat. from 10 am – 4 pm, except on movie nights when they remain open until 9 pm. The Natural Food Store is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm, located in downtown Egg Harbor at 7821 Hwy 42.
