How Do Machines Learn?

Once upon a time, we did things ourselves. Then we made software and told it what to do. Now we have software with algorithms, that learn what to do on their own. They still need input, but what they learn from their input is much more than what we've programmed into them. Before we even realized it, these machine programs know more than we do.   

(YouTube link)

CGP Grey makes sense of all this for those of us who don't program computers, much less design software or build artificial intelligence algorithms. Still, making machine smarter and smarter brings up more questions than it answers. First off, is that really a wise thing to do? -via Metafilter


Newest 3
Newest 3 Comments

Things like neural networks are algorithms, as they are very specific mathematical functions and are completely deterministic given the same inputs. At the end of the day they are akin to very fancy curve fitting algorithms that determine what parameters best fit some data. Most of the common ones can be written as a bunch of simple matrix operations (much like curve fitting), but with a crap ton of parameters. What is learned goes into the parameters, but you still have the same basic algorithm there.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
"Now we have software, called algorithms, that learn what to do on their own"

No. No. No.

"Algorithm" simply means "process" : follow these steps and you'll get the results you want. It tells someone, or a computer, the steps to follow to accomplish a specific task.

Here's the algorithm for making a sandwich:

1. get your bread
2. get your filling
3. put your filling on top of one piece of bread
4. put the other piece of bread on top of that

That's an algorithm a person could follow. If you were writing it for a computer, you'd need to be more detailed, because computers are very stupid.

But, the word has absolutely nothing to do with artificial intelligence or spooky thinking machines. Sure, you can come up with an algorithm that describes a process to do some kind of AI stuff, but that's a specific algorithm, a specific process.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"How Do Machines Learn?"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More