Well technically DNA is not binary but quaternary (U-C-G-T). You could
always convert by assigning a pair of binary digits to a letter, leaving us
with 4 permutations.
However we're mixing two concepts I think: the blueprint for the
machine/body (DNA) vs the memory that creates a person (Without getting
philosophical about where the soul might reside and what is is exactly.
You might consider instead that you could create a human-like creature with
DNA designed by a machine with knowledge of chemical interactions and very
high computing powers and explore the theology to see if such an artifact
would have a soul? A computer-created man, a designed soul: it's a slightly
different take on "Does an AI have a soul", or a least a middle step between
the a human soul and a machine soul.
Now not to be picky, but Henlein's time Time enough for Love and derived
works really have Athena create a body, using 10 or so "donors" of DNA, but
only then transfering her memory/soul/person into the human brain of the
construct. Not quite the same, as I mentionned above: Henlein goes a bit for
the "do machines have a soul", but never equates it to DNA.
Emmanuel
----- Original Message -----
From: "Alberto Monteiro" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Brin-L" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: August 21, 2001 20:06 Fizzlin'
Subject: Re: A.I. Genetics
> T.Sands wrote:
> >
> >Could it be possible, then, to somehow merge the "Digital DNA" of an A.I.
> >with the double helix of a human genome, thereby creating a human being
with
> >the "soul" of an A.I.?
> >
> >The idea is cool, but I have no idea if it is remotely plausible or
laughable
> >on a scientific level -- even in the realm of science fiction.
> >
> Sorry, dear writer, but this was done before, in Heinlein's
> _Time Enough for Love_ O:-)
>
> Alberto Monteiro
>
>
