Artificial intelligence, in any meaningful sense, doesn't exist. Every example of what is sometimes taken to be AI is in fact a case of the 'robotic fallacy': we mistake an instance of seemingly intelligent behaviour for the existence of an intelligent faculty. This talk will ask about a major aspect of what constitutes intelligence in human beings - our amazing faculty for creating and using systems of symbols - and the paradox of how this intelligence arises in our make-up. It will ask why we have made so little progress towards the goal of AI. Is intelligence intrinsically analogue, not digital? Or can we somehow facilitate the evolution of our digital counterparts as symbolically adept beings?

This Lunchtime Talk is part of Open Studio Friday, which takes place at the Studio every week.

Do you want to find out what is going on at the Pervasive Media Studio? Are you interested in meeting our residents, talking about a specific project or curious about pervasive media? Why not pack a sandwich and join us for one of our Lunchtime Talks and Open Studio Friday. Lunchtime Talks are informal presentations by Studio residents and associates. They normally take place at 1pm on Friday, are free and open to everybody who’s interested in what we do. After the Talk, we also invite you to stay with us for the afternoon to continue the conversation or work on your own projects. We provide chairs, tables, wireless and a great space. You bring what you need to work with (laptop/mobile). Our open afternoons close at 5pm. Let us know if you’d like a tour of the space and we'll be happy to show you around just before the talk. Send an email to: studio@watershed.co.uk to book your place on a tour.