 The seeds of modern AI were planted by classical philosophers who attempted to describe the process of human thinking as the mechanical manipulation of symbols . This work culminated in the invention of the programmable digital computer in the 1940s , a machine based on the abstract essence of mathematical reasoning . This device and the ideas behind it inspired a handful of scientists to begin seriously discussing the possibility of building an electronic brain . 
 The seeds of modern AI <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>were</mark></a> planted by classical philosophers <a href='null_relcl' title='2'><mark>who</mark></a>attempted to describe the process of human thinking as the mechanical manipulation of symbols . This work culminated in the invention of the programmable digital computer in the 1940s , a machine based on the abstract essence of mathematical reasoning . This device and the ideas behind it inspired a handful of scientists to begin seriously discussing the possibility of building an electronic brain . 
Da seeds of modern AI was planted by classical philosophers attempted to describe the process of human thinkin as the mechanical manipulation of symbols . This wrk culminated in tdainvention of the programmable digital computer in the 1940s , a machine based on thdabstract essence of mathematical reasoning . dis device and the ideas behind it inspired a handful of scientists to begin seriously discussing thedassibility of building an electronic brain .