Computers Quote by Stephen Baxter
““We could try the Turin test," said Lobsang. "Oh, machines have been able to pass the Turing test for years." "No, the Turin test. We both pray for an hour, and see if God can tell the difference.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Time Ships, 1995
A character jokes about a “Turin test” as a twist on the Turing test, implying divine discernment.
In simple terms: A fictional test to see if God can tell machines from humans.
Question limits of AI.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- AI ethics debates
- religious discussions
- science fiction writing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “God can tell the difference” suggest about belief?
- Can AI ever be indistinguishable from humanity?
Humor may obscure serious implications.