Ursula Martin (What to think about machines that think)

Ursula Martin embarks on a thoughtful journey through a marshland, reflecting on the interconnectedness of nature, history, and human experience. She contemplates the conversation with the past facilitated by the land and its markers, such as stepping-stones and wooden posts, as well as the ever-changing elements like water and weather.

She then transitions to pondering the role of thinking machines in this intricate tapestry of existence. She envisions various scenarios where thinking machines could assist a solitary walker in the marshland, from robotic companions to data-driven guides. However, she raises essential questions about what qualities a thinking machine would need to participate in the enduring dialogue across centuries, mediated by the land and water.

Martin explores the notion of a “landscape machine,” a concept that could help us understand the complex interplay between human, natural, and technological activities in shaping the margins of the sea. She emphasizes the significance of purpose, acknowledging that the solitary walker’s purpose might transcend practical objectives and instead aim to find balance, connect with nature, stimulate imagination, or nourish the soul.

In this context, Martin challenges thinking machines to not merely serve utilitarian goals but to appreciate and reinforce the qualities that make humans uniquely human, fostering a shared humanity with others. She presents this as a profound challenge for thinking machines in the face of the rich, multidimensional experience of a solitary walk in nature.

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