On scientific understanding with artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) has recently been called
a “new tool in the box for scientists”[1] and that “machine learning with artificial networks is revolutionizing science“[2]. Additionally, it has been conjectured
“that machines could have a significantly more creative role in future research.” [3]. For instance, it has
even been postulated that “[t]he new goal of theoretical chemistry should be that of providing access to
a chemical ’oracle’: an A.I. environment which can
help humans solve problems, associated with the fundamental chemical questions of the fourth industrial
revolution [...], in a way such that the human cannot
∗ mario.krenn@mpl.mpg.de
† alan@aspuru.com
distinguish between this and communicating with a
human expert”