Abstract

With recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is important to take a step back and ask us the question: How does an AI “think”? What is the definition of thinking in this case and is it only reserved for the conscious or decision making in general? In the following chapter, the authors review and assess a well-known method used to determine this, called the Turing test, and question if this method is still reliable in the modern era. They explore the origins of AI and the influence biological structures have on architectures of the “brain” of an AI, known as Neural Networks (NN). They extend this emphasis when discussing optimization, more specifically bio-inspired algorithms. Graphical images are provided as needed to aid visual learners in understanding the concepts. They discuss the various concepts involved and hope the chapter serves as a comprehensive resource for students, researchers, and practitioners interested in either AI, cognitive computing, or simply wanting to learn more about the human brain in an abstract way.