On 1/10/2013 9:20 PM, Craig Weinberg wrote:
On Thursday, January 10, 2013 7:33:06 PM UTC-5, Brent wrote:
On 1/10/2013 4:23 PM, Telmo Menezes wrote:
Do you think there can be something that is intelligent but not complex
(and
use whatever definitions of "intelligent" and "complex" you want).
A thermostat is much less complex than a human brain but intelligent under
my
definition.
But much less intelligent. So in effect you think there is a degree of
intelligence
in everything, just like you believe there's a degree of consciousness in
everything. And the degree of intelligence correlates with the degree of
complexity
...but you don't think the same about consciousness?
Brent
I was thinking today that a decent way of defining intelligence is just 'The ability to
know "what's going on"'.
This makes it clear that intelligence refers to the degree of sophistication of
awareness, not just complexity of function or structure. This is why a computer which
has complex function and structure has no authentic intelligence and has no idea 'what's
going on'. Intelligence however has everything to do with sensitivity, integration, and
mobilization of awareness as an asset, i.e. to be directed for personal gain or shared
enjoyment, progress, etc. Knowing what's going on implicitly means caring what goes on,
which also supervenes on biological quality investment in experience.
Which is why I think an intelligent machine must be one that acts in its environment.
Simply 'being aware' or 'knowing' are meaningless without the ability and motives to act
on them.
Brent
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