Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a buzzword. A future is imagined where machines can “think”. Using artificial intelligence to perform rote tasks which, in nature, do not inspire, are boring or dangerous, is one presumed benefit. One downside is that artificial intelligence would more generally assume tasks previously confined to human intelligence. Today, AI programs can write poetry and design graphics that can compete with those produced by human actors. This doesn’t mean that AI surpasses a human consciousness but rather that the efficiency of AI would be consciously chosen to replace or relieve the person of their intelligence and their subjectivity. Ask an AI program why a person would design and implement it.
Using the History and Systems of Psychology—structuralism (Wundt), functionalism (James), behaviorism (Pavlov, Watson, Skinner, Tolman), Gestalt, Personality Theory (Allport, Cattell, Erickson, Big Five) Humanistic (Maslow) and depth psychology (Freud & Jung)—work-through the possible motive of such a “choice” or the resistance to it. Use the historical theories of mind to support your exploration.
The purpose of the question is to help you use what we have learned this semester about psychology as applied to a prominent aspect of our current psychological life. It is meant to incite your own intelligence as framed by the class material. Have fun. Be bold.
