The readings for Friday, September 18 describe a wager between Ray Kurzweil and Mitch Kapor concerning whether a machine will be able to pass the Turing Test by 2029. They first set the groundrules, then Kurzweil argues for the position that a machine will pass the test by 2029, then Kapor argues against that position, then Kurzweil gets the last word (because it is his website).
Your paper assignment is to write a short (5-7 page, around 1500-2000 word) paper that briefly describes what the wager is about and what the positions of the two wagerers are, then presents your own arguments for what you think the outcome will be. When you are arguing your own position you can incorporate ideas from any sources that you find useful. You should cite any sources that you use in writing this paper, except that you do not need to cite the four brief papers mentioned in the first paragraph of this assignment. In particular, if you refer back to Turing's original paper, you should cite that.
This assignment asks you to take a stand and try to persuade the reader that your position is correct. You are welcome to use any kind of academically recognized persuasive techniques that you know of, but you should be aware that logical argument from sound premises is the form of persuasion that is most likely to convince the professor.
Be sure to write the paper in your own words referring to your sources as necessary. If you use outside sources your sources should be listed in a bibliography or reference section at the end of the paper and cited in the paper when you refer to their ideas. By default you should use the MLA or APA citation style, but it is okay to use another nationally recognized citation style if you check with me first. Follow the general rules of academic writing.