A single neuron in the brain is an incredibly complex machine that even today we don't understand. A single 'neuron' in a neural network is an incredibly simple mathematical function that captures a minuscule fraction of the complexity of a biological neuron.
Interpretation
The complexity of biological neurons far exceeds our current understanding and the simplicity of artificial neurons.
This quote compares the intricate nature of biological neurons with the simplicity of artificial neurons used in neural networks. It highlights the vast gap in complexity between human brain functions and current technologies, emphasizing that while we have made strides in AI, much remains to be understood about the brain's workings.
In practice
In a discussion about the limitations of AI technology, this quote can emphasize the need for further research in neuroscience.
AI has been making tremendous progress in machine translation, self-driving cars, etc. Basically, all the progress I see is in specialised intelligence. It might be hundreds or thousands of years or, if there is an unexpected breakthrough, decades.
It seemed really amazing that you could write a few lines of code and have it learn to do interesting things.
Most of the value of deep learning today is in narrow domains where you can get a lot of data. Here's one example of something it cannot do: have a meaningful conversation.
Imagine if we can just talk to our computers and have it understand, 'Please schedule a meeting with Bob for next week.' Or if each child could have a personalized tutor. Or if self-driving cars could save all of us hours of driving.
None of us today know how to get computers to learn with the speed and flexibility of a child.
I've been to so many manufacturing plants. I've yet to walk into one where I did not think AI solutions wouldn't help.
There are people who could watch a hurricane like Sandy blow out of the Atlantic every other day and blame it on anything but human activity. They are like those who, having been diagnosed with diabetes, eat donuts for breakfast. There's not much to do about them.
When an economist says the evidence is "mixed," he or she means that theory says one thing and data says the opposite.
Surgery is the red flower that blooms among the leaves and thorns that are the rest of medicine.
If ever there was a slamming of the door in the face of constructive investigation, it is the word miracle. To a medieval peasant, a radio would have seemed like a miracle.
Quantum physics thus reveals a basic oneness of the universe.
In summoning even the wisest of physicians to our aid, it is probably that he is relying upon a scientific "truth", the error of which will become obvious in just a few years' time.
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