人教版英语选修第二册 unit 1 Reading and Writing

AI AND HUMAN BEINGS

人工智能与人类

Is it possible to make machines think like humans?

人类有可能制造出像人一样思考的机器吗？

This is one question in research in the field of Artificial Intelligence, or “AI”.

这是人工智能（简称AI）领域的一大研究课题。

To think like a human, it involves feelings, morality, hopes, and dreams.

像人类一样思考，关乎情感、道德、希望与梦想。

Humans are capable of making decisions by themselves without input from others, and they can learn from experience.

人类能够独立做出决定，无需他人指点，并且可以从经验中学习。

In addition, humans are able to create things from their own inspiration for their own pleasure.

除此之外，人类能够凭借灵感进行创造，从中获得乐趣。

The question is whether machines can ever really think in all these aspects.

问题在于，机器能否在以上所有方面实现真正意义上的思考。

The idea of a computer that is all-powerful and can think and make decisions for itself terrifies many people.

一台全能、能够自主思考并做出决断的计算机，这个想法令许多人感到恐惧。

In some films, AI even decides that all humans must be killed.

在一些影视作品里，人工智能甚至判定人类应当被消灭。

Many people are also concerned that AI will be used to replace humans.

不少人还担心，人工智能将会取代人类。

Yet others are comforted by the thought of AI.

但也有人对人工智能抱有期待。

Maybe with AI, robots can be made to replace loved ones who have died.

或许依靠人工智能，人们可以制造机器人，代替逝去的亲人。

Today, the creation of an all-powerful computer capable of human thought is still in progress.

如今，研发拥有人类思维的全能计算机依旧处在探索阶段。

We have companion robots, and it is likely that they will grow more important in our lives as time goes by.

我们已经拥有陪护机器人，随着时间推移，它们在生活中或许会变得愈发重要。

However, the need for such robots does not seem to be as critical as our need for intelligent machines that can solve problems by learning from their observations and experience.

然而相比这类机器人，我们更迫切需要智能机器，能够通过观察与总结经验来解决问题。

For example, AI is already being used with great success in Internet search engines and as a personal assistant in our smartphones.

举例来说，人工智能已经成功应用于互联网搜索引擎，以及智能手机里的个人助手。

It learns from our habits to help us find what we want and like.

它学习我们的使用习惯，帮助我们找到喜爱、需要的内容。

AI is also used to diagnose problems and suggest solutions.

人工智能还可以排查故障，并给出解决方案。

Researchers are also experimenting with the use of AI in driverless cars which can sense their surroundings and decide on the best way to reach a destination.

研究人员也在无人驾驶汽车上测试人工智能，车辆能够感知周边环境，选择抵达目的地的最优路线。

It is also being used in education, particularly in online courses.

人工智能同样应用于教育领域，尤其是线上课程。

Furthermore, industries that use robots for repetitive or dangerous work often turn to AI to manage these electronic workers.

另外，不少行业使用机器人完成重复、危险的工作，并且依靠人工智能管控这些机器。

In addition, virtual assistants are also being used in some homes today.

如今，一些家庭也用上了虚拟助手。

In the near future, it is likely that AI will be used to manage smart homes and handle an even greater variety of tasks such as setting out favourite clothes and helping us with our personal grooming.

在不久的将来，人工智能有望管控智能家居，处理更多事务，例如备好心仪衣物、协助打理个人仪容。

The AI of today has already proven its superiority to humans in many areas.

如今的人工智能，已经在诸多领域展现出超越人类的能力。

Do you think that we can create a robot that thinks like a human or one that is even more intelligent?

你认为我们能否造出拥有人类思维、甚至比人类更加聪慧的机器人？

If so, is there truly a difference between AI and a human?

倘若能够实现，人工智能与人类之间还存在本质区别吗？

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