"I will argue that in the literal sense the programmed computer understands what the car and the adding machine understand, namely, exactly nothing"

John Searle, a prominent theorist, made this declaration in the context of his critique of artificial intelligence, particularly in his famous Chinese Room argument. This quote encapsulates his stance on the difference between human understanding and machine processing. Searle argues that while computer systems can perform jobs that may appear intelligent, they do not have understanding or awareness.

A key aspect of Searle's argument is the difference between syntactic processing and semantic understanding. Computers can manipulate symbols and carry out programs based on guidelines-- this is syntactic processing. Nevertheless, Searle posits that true understanding includes semantics, or the significance behind those symbols, which computers do not have. In his example, both an automobile and an adding device follow predetermined rules and guidelines: a vehicle reacts to mechanical inputs and an adding device processes numbers. These makers run without comprehension, merely following fixed courses or guidelines. Likewise, he argues that computers run without understanding, carrying out code without any awareness or understanding of the jobs they carry out.

Searle's Chinese Room believed experiment additional highlights this point. Think of an individual who does not comprehend Chinese however is inside a room with a set of directions for controling Chinese symbols. To outside observers, it might appear that the person comprehends Chinese, though they are simply processing symbols based on guidelines, without any real understanding. This thought experiment underscores the idea that computational processes do not relate to cognitive capabilities or awareness.

In summary, Searle's quote challenges the notion that programmed computer systems can "understand" in the exact same way people do. Through examples and thought experiments, he stresses that while makers can process information and mimic behaviors associated with understanding, they ultimately lack the mindful awareness and semantic understanding that define true understanding.