The applications of Artificial Intelligence lie all around us a nd affect all aspects of our lives. The results of Artificial Intelligence have been invaluable to biologists, psychologists, a nd linguists in helping to understa nd the processes of memo r y, learning, a nd language fr om a fresh angle. As a concept, Artificial Intelligence has fuelled a nd sharpened the philosophical debates concerning the nature of the mind, intelligence, a nd the uniqueness of human beings. Artificial Intelligence: A Very Sho r t Introduction considers the histo r y of Artificial Intelligence, its successes, its limitations, a nd its future goals. It also reviews the philosophical a nd technological challenges raised by Artificial Intelligence, considering whether programs could ever be really intelligent, creative, o r even conscious.