Contextual Understanding by Computers A further development of a computer program (ELIZA) capable of conversing in natural language is discussed. The importance of context to both human and machine understanding is stressed. It is argued that the adequacy of the level of understanding achieved in a particular conversation depends on the purpose of that conversation, and that absolute understanding on the part of either humans or machines is impossible. CACM August, 1967 Weizenbaum, J. CA670802 JB February 27, 19784:44 PM 1400 4 1553 1553 4 1553 1945 4 1553 2127 4 1553 2396 4 1553 2730 4 1553 1487 5 1553 1553 5 1553 1553 5 1553 1553 5 1553 1856 5 1553 1225 6 1553 1324 6 1553 1553 6 1553