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Watson on Jeopardy

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Computers have evolved from machines able to complete simple math problems to ones that can now process information faster than the human brain.

"Watson" is computer and "he" appeared on Jeopardy, the TV show. This IBM-powered machine was designed to take on the smartest humans in the world in a trivia game. Watch the YouTube video below for an excerpt from the preparation phase of Watson's training (the computer later went on Jeopardy to beat two of the best players ever to appear on the show). What are your reactions to this video? What does this tell you about how computers are advancing?

This is the link to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC3IryWr4c8.

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Solution Summary

The solution discusses the video of "Watson" appearing on the gameshow Jeopardy.

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The fact that Watson's great win was on a game show says much about it. First, that it was designed for maximum public impact. Second, that it was designed for a fact-based gameshow format only. Third, that it was actually designed for just that show, a fact left out of most media coverage of Watson (with the exception of the New York Times). Fourth, after the Jeopardy win, it was drafted by Wall Street to participate in stock speculation, which is not all that different from a gameshow.

Watson can only regurgitate facts. It cannot grasp the "humanities," that is, context, history, ethical right and other creations of human freedom. It can just read faster and repeat faster. I've noticed that all the questions on the game show were basically fact-related questions. Unimpressive except for the sheer amount of material it can regurgitate. It understands, of course, nothing.

It should also be noted ...

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