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FOSDEM PWA

Eliza: Rewriting the original AI chatbot from 60 years BC (Before ChatGPT)

H.1302 (Depage) | Day 2 | 13:25 - 13:45 | Speakers: Steven Goodwin

Eliza: Rewriting the original AI chatbot from 60 years BC (Before ChatGPT)
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Notes

Abstract

When the Eliza psychotherapist chatbot was released by Joseph Weizenbaum, in 1966, people believed it real. Even the secretary of its creator thought the machine had feelings, as they discussed relationships and personal issues. But why? How could a simple computer text interface act so human?

In this session our speaker, a computer historian and associate at the Centre for Computer History, uncovers the workings of Eliza, the Eliza effect, and its impact in the modern world and films like "THX 1138" and "Her." From the computer hardware to the programming language, and the scripts used to simulate the human traits of empathy and comprehension, we look at how 233 lines of code was convincing enough to change the world... and then how that code was transmogrified into JavaScript so that anyone can read and understand it.

Speakers

Steven Goodwin

Since 1999 Steven Goodwin (London, England) has been professionally involved in both the community and development environment for Linux, Free Software and Open Source. His first articles in Linux Magazine in 2001 began a long partnership where he brought the C programming language to the newsstand, demonstrated home automation, and uncovered command line power tools. He was also an "Open Source Champ" at Microsoft where he pioneered the use and advocacy of FLOSS in a (traditionally) closed environment.

As a speaker and commentator he has spoken at many major national, and international, conferences such as UKUUG and FOSDEM as well as writing the annual 'FOSDEM diaries' and gave the closing keynote at the 20th Anniversary FOSDEM event.

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