2019 Year 12 IB Extended Essays

11 behavioural algorithms within computers, that track your browsing history, and generate specific advertisements to pop up on search windows, that are tailored to your past Internet interests. However, an article from Forbes, written by R.L Adams in 2017, states that: “True A.I. can improve on past iterations, getting smarter and more aware, allowing it to enhance its capabilities and its knowledge” (Adams, 2017) This refers to artificial intelligence developments in which the machine can think for itself, and doesn’t rely on tracking a human behavioural pattern to create an algorithm upon which it can act. An example of this is the Mars Opportunity Rover (refer to Appendix 6). This is an example in which the evolved knowledge of humans has allowed us to create a machine that is capable of navigating and collecting data independently, on a different planet. This is a positive example, as this research has greatly benefitted science research on Earth, and will be heavily relied upon when further exploring outer space. Another example of AI that has benefitted society is Sophia the Robot (refer to Appendix 5). Sophia is a demonstration of how far society has come in the evolution of knowledge. A concept that was once considered fictitious is now a reality. It proves just how evolved human intellect is in today’s age. From Plato’s doctrine of recollection, we know that all knowledge is simply just other knowledge compiled. Therefore, when looking at advancements in areas such as AI, which utilise such highly developed and specified knowledge, it is difficult to define this as new, or evolved knowledge. It would be near impossible for new advancements to be made in any area of study, without previous discoveries. So can these advancements be referred to as ‘new’ knowledge? Or are they perhaps derived from previous research and knowledge, that acted as a catalyst in the development of furthered knowledge? From these examples of advancements in human knowing, it appears that the knowledge that has been developed throughout history, resulting in technological advancements such as