Programmed Intelligence Is a thermostat or an electronic calculator intelligent?

Programmed intelligence is when a machine or software has limited abilities based on its original programming. It cannot learn or adapt on its own. Examples are basic devices like thermostats just following preset rules. They have no flexibility or real understanding.

Mechanical and digital devices like thermostats and calculators can be considered to have rudimentary intelligence for a few reasons. They can sense inputs from their environment and respond appropriately – a thermostat detects ambient temperature changes and adjusts heating or cooling to regulate it to the set point, while a calculator senses button presses and performs the corresponding mathematical operation.

These devices also exhibit preset logic that allows them to make simple automated decisions like a thermostat deciding when to turn on heating based on the temperature threshold or a calculator choosing which operation to execute based on which button was pressed.

Additionally, they show basic goal-oriented behavior, with the thermostat optimizing to achieve a set ideal temperature and the calculator optimizing to output the correct mathematical result. Over time, the preset logic governing these automated behaviors can also be updated through reprogramming, allowing for a degree of learning and adaptation.

Some other examples of devices with rudimentary intelligence:

• Automated vacuums (Roombas) that navigate environments and avoid obstacles.
• Smart home assistants like Alexa or Google Home that sense voice commands and respond.
• Self-driving cars that sense surroundings and navigate roads.
• Industrial machines that adjust operations based on sensor data.
• Smart thermostats that learn home occupancy patterns and adapt heating/cooling automatically.

The fundamental similarity is the ability to take in data/inputs, process it based on predefined programming, and respond through outputs/actions. Though limited compared to human intelligence, it shows a basic level of automated reasoning and decision-making rather than just fixed mechanical responses.

Human and biological intelligence is the product of natural selection, which optimizes the fitness of organisms within their environments. In contrast, programmed intelligence is a product of human ingenuity engineered to serve human objectives.

Programmed intelligence refers to the creation of intelligent systems by humans. It is engineered to serve human interests, often to solve problems, make tasks more efficient, and benefit its human designers and society.

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