Yapay Zekânın Doğuşu Ve Altın Çağında Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nde Düşünen Makinelere Yönelik Algı

Abstract

In the process leading up to the birth of the concept of artificial intelligence, scientific ideas about thinking machines began to develop. These ideas, which have emerged in the world, have also manifested themselves in Türkiye and have led to a strengthening of the awareness level towards them. Although the term artificial intelligence was not used directly in this process, an interest in the operations that intelligent machines could perform came to the fore, around images such as automation, machine logic, electronic brain and cybernetics. By examining terms that could represent the concept of artificial intelligence, the aim is to identify when these concepts were first used, how they were understood in their early years, whether government policies have been developed in this direction, and to determine public attitudes. The study’s unique approach is to examine scientific developments through the lens of artificial intelligence or thinking machine technology, as part of Türkiye’s modernization trajectory. The study focused on the birth years of artificial intelligence, particularly the period between 1956 and 1974, considered its golden age. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gauge the evolving perception of artificial intelligence or thinking machines in Türkiye during these years. In this context, the study utilized research works written on artificial intelligence, and newspapers were specifically reviewed to gauge public opinion. Furthermore, popular science publications, archival documents, and official records Grand National Assembly of Türkiye were also examined. The theoretical development of artificial intelligence, which began globally in the 1950s, has been addressed in Türkiye, particularly through the lens of the capabilities of thinking machines or electronic brains. The development of machines capable of thinking and making decisions has brought both hope and fear to society. Alongside concerns that intelligent machines could render people unemployed, there have also been expectations that this technology could lead to new scientific advances. While public perception of artificial intelligence or thinking machines remained abstract between 1956 and 1974, it was approached as an area to be followed by the scientific community.