can a computer have a “mind” in exactly the same sense that we have “minds”? Maybe the mind and the self are a kind of system of information or a pattern, analogous to the software and structured data in a computer. It’s not physical, it’s an arrangement of a set physical things that represents anContinue reading “Characters”
Tag Archives: ai
The I in “AI”
what is “intelligence”? It’s weird that in a set of articles about AI, I’m only finally getting around to talking about what the field of A.I. research has to say. This article relies the leading AI textbook, part Bible and part encyclopedia: Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig’s Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach. Intelligence Professional andContinue reading “The I in “AI””
The Stepford Scenario
could you love a machine the same way you love your children? Consider this thought experiment, which is a variation on the 1972 movie “Stepford Wives”. (This version works better for parents.) If this was a movie, we would expect you to fight to death to get your children back. That’s the only way thisContinue reading “The Stepford Scenario”
The Paradox of Mary and Mark
What is “consciousness”? (part 2) This is a variation on Frank Jackson’s thought experiment “Mary’s Room” (1982). This much of the argument should convince you that you believe subjective consciousness is real. There is nothing confusing or mysterious about the concept. You know exactly what I mean when I say “there is a difference betweenContinue reading “The Paradox of Mary and Mark”
The Tell
can you tell if it’s AI? Consider these pivotal moments from sci-fi films about AI and human simulations: Joanna: Bobbi, stop it. Look at me. Say I’m right. You are different. Your figure’s different, your face, what you talk about, all of this is different. Joanna is able to detect something about the machine thatContinue reading “The Tell”
The Sixth Day
on the moment when AI comes alive Here’s a couple of examples of a common trope in science fiction. Terminator II: Judgement Day (1991): The Terminator: “… [Skynet] goes online on August, 4th 1997. Human decisions are removed from Strategic Defense. Skynet begins learning at geometric rate. It becomes self-aware at 2:14 a.m. eastern timeContinue reading “The Sixth Day”
Considering Samantha
on the movie “Her” Let’s talk about the movie Her — a work of genius that goes right to the heart of a number of issues in the philosophy of artificial intelligence. The prediction at the center of the film — that a human simulation would become the world’s most popular program and people wouldContinue reading “Considering Samantha”
The Human Essence Assumption
This is an assumptions that are almost always made in science fiction, and often made in non-fiction writing about AI. I am interested in the straightforward way we understand and accept this assumption, before we have had a chance to examine it or question it, as we do when we are casually watching science fictionContinue reading “The Human Essence Assumption”
Four Assumptions About the Future of Artificial Intelligence
These four assumptions are almost always made in science fiction and popular commentary on AI or alien life. They are often made by the leaders of AI research and industry, as well as by academic futurists and professional scientists (who should know better). The Human Essence Assumption In science fiction, the essential property is calledContinue reading “Four Assumptions About the Future of Artificial Intelligence”
CHARLES GILLINGHAM 