Question

As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly complicated, there are growing concerns that robots could become a threat. This danger can be avoided, according to computer science professor Stuart Russell, if we figure out how to turn human values into a programmable code.

Russell argues that as robots take on more complicated tasks, it’s necessary to translate our morals into AI language.

For example, if a robot does chores around the house, you wouldn't want it to put the pet cat in the oven to make dinner for the hungry children. "You would want that robot preloaded with a good set of values," said Russell.

Some robots are already programmed with basic human values. For example, mobile robots have been programmed to keep a comfortable distance from humans. Obviously, there are cultural differences, but if you were talking to another person and they came up close in your personal space, you wouldn't think that's the kind of thing a properly brought-up person would do.

It will be possible to create more complex moral machines, if only we can find a way to set out human values as clear rules.

Robots could also learn values from drawing patterns from large sets of data on human behavior. They are dangerous only if programmers are careless.

The biggest concern with robots going against human values is that human beings fail to do enough testing and they've produced a system that will break some kind of taboo（禁忌）.

One simple check would be to program a robot to check the correct course of action with a human when presented with an unusual situation.

If the robot is unsure whether an animal is suitable for the microwave, it has the opportunity to stop, send out beeps, and ask for directions from a human. If we humans aren't quite sure about a decision, we go and ask somebody else.

The most difficult step in programming values will be deciding exactly what we believe in moral, and how to create a set of ethical rules. But if we come up with an answer, robots could be good for humanity.

1.What does the author say about the threat of robots?

A. It may be a challenge to computer programmers.

B. It accompanies all machinery involving high technology.

C. It can be avoided if human values are translated into their language.

D. It has become an inevitable danger as technology gets more sophisticated.

2.How do robots learn human values?

A. By interacting with humans in everyday life situations.

B. By picking up patterns from massive data on human behavior.

C. By following the daily routines of civilized human beings.

D. By imitating the behavior of properly brought-up human beings.

3.What will a well-programmed robot do when facing an unusual situation?

A. Keep a distance from possible dangers.

B. Do enough testing before taking action.

C. Set off its built-in alarm system at once.

D. Stop to seek advice from a human being.

4.What is most difficult to do when we turn human values into a programmable code?

A. Determine what is moral and ethical.

B. Design some large-scale experiments.

C. Set rules for man-machine interaction.

D. Develop a more sophisticated program.

Answer

1.C

2.B

3.D

4.A

【解析】

本文属于说明文阅读，作者通过这篇文章主要向我们描述了随着人工智能（AI）变得越来越复杂，人们越来越担心机器人会成为一种威胁。

1.细节理解题。根据第一段This danger can be avoided，according to computer science professor Stuart Russell，if we figure out how to turn human values into a programmable code可知如果人类的价值观被翻译成他们的语言机器人的危险是可以避免的。故选C。

2.细节理解题。根据文章Robots could also learn values from drawing patterns from large sets of data on human behavior可知机器人通过从人类行为的海量数据中提取模式来学习人类的价值观。故选B。

3.细节理解题。根据文章If the robot is unsure whether an animal is suitable for the microwave，it has the oportunity to stop，send out beeps（嘟嘟声），and ask for directions from a human可知一个编程良好的机器人面对异常情况时会停下来想人类寻求帮助。故选D。

4.细节理解题。根据文章But if we come up with an answer，robots could be good for humanity可知当我们把人类的价值变成可编程的代码时，最难做的是确定什么是道德和伦理。故选A。