Artificial Psychology

Artificial Psychology is a theoretical discipline proposed by Dan Curtis (b. 1963). The theory states that when the artificial intelligence approaches the level of complexity where the intelligence meets two conditions:

Condition I

• A Makes all of its decisions autonomously
• B Is capable of making decisions based on information that is

1. New
2. Abstract
3. Incomplete

• C The artificial intelligence is capable of reprogramming itself based on the new data
• D And is capable of resolving its own programming conflicts, even in the presence of incomplete data. This means that the intelligence autonomously makes value-based decisions, referring to values that the intelligence has created for itself.

Condition II

• All four criteria are met in situations that are not part of the original operating program

When both conditions are met, then the possibility exists that the intelligence will reach irrational conclusions based on real or created information. At this point, the criteria is met for intervention which will not necessarily be resolved by simple re-coding of processes due to extraordinarily complex nature of the codebase itself; but rather a discussion with the intelligence in a format which more closely resembles classical (human) psychology.

If the intelligence cannot be reprogrammed by directly inputting new code, but requires the intelligence to reprogram itself through a process of analysis and decision based on information provided by a human, in order for it to overcome behavior which is inconsistent with the machines purpose or ability to function normally, then artificial psychology is by definition, what is required.

The level of complexity that is required before these thresholds are met is currently a subject of extensive debate. The theory of artificial psychology does not address the specifics of what those levels may be, but only that the level is sufficiently complex that the intelligence cannot simply be recoded by a software developer, and therefore dysfunctionality must be addressed through the same processes that humans must go through to address their own dysfunctionalities. Along the same lines, artificial psychology does not address the question of whether or not the intelligence is actually conscience or not.

The current level of artificial intelligence in 2008 does not approach any threshold where any of the theories or principles of artificial psychology may even be tested, and therefore, for the foreseeable future, artificial psychology will remain a theoretical discipline.