Irene Pepperberg argues that machines excel at computation but lack true thinking abilities, particularly in terms of vision and creativity. Machines rely on algorithms and programs created by humans to solve complex problems, provide directions, or perform tasks efficiently. However, Pepperberg emphasizes that machines do not possess the capacity for vision in the sense of generating innovative ideas or foreseeing new possibilities.
Pepperberg discusses how machines, despite their computational prowess, do not originate groundbreaking concepts or design new forms of entertainment that captivate human minds for generations. While machines can excel in tasks like mathematics, they lack the visionary thinking that leads to the creation of new fields or engaging intellectual challenges.
She acknowledges the convenience of machines in various aspects of life, such as smart appliances and spell-checking software. However, Pepperberg cautions against complacency in society, where the reliance on machines for routine tasks could lead to a neglect of human creativity and innovation. She urges humans to harness the cognitive capacity freed up by machines to tackle pressing problems and make visionary leaps in various fields.