A History of the Early Years of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Edinburgh

Abstract

This article describes the early years of artificial intelligence (AI) at the University of Edinburgh, roughly from the early 1960s to the mid-1980s. It covers the key founders and various administrative structures, research highlights and teaching developments from this period, notable women in early AI research, and discusses the national and international connections of the work carried out at Edinburgh. Motivated by a scarcity of historical documentation on this pivotal period, we employ a methodological blend of archival research and recent oral histories to draw a detailed picture. The study highlights the contributions of key figures such as Donald Michie and Christopher Longuet-Higgins, whose interdisciplinary work established Edinburgh as a European hub for AI research. Despite challenges like the “AI winter”, sparked by the Lighthill Report, Edinburgh fostered advances in many areas of AI. The analysis also explores early ethical considerations in AI development, reflecting on technological neutrality and the anticipation of AI’s societal impact. This historical account not only clarifies Edinburgh’s critical role in AI’s evolution but also offers enduring lessons on interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical responsibility, relevant for the continued advancement of AI technologies today.