Virtual child passes mental milestone

[David Morris]

http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/dn13446-virtual-child-passes-mental-milestone-.html?feedId=online-news_rss20

16:23 11 March 2008
NewScientist.com news service
Celeste Biever

A virtual child controlled by artificially intelligent software has
passed a cognitive test regarded as a major milestone in human
development. It could lead to smarter computer games able to predict
human players' state of mind.

Children typically master the "false belief test" at age 4 or 5. It
tests their ability to realise that the beliefs of others can differ
from their own, and from reality.

The creators of the new character – which they called Eddie – say
passing the test shows it can reason about the beliefs of others,
using a rudimentary "theory of mind".