Back in the 1980's Hans and I had offices next to each other in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon. Over a period of a couple of years we had numerous arguments about whether machines could realize consciousness; whether a human mind could be transferred to a machine, etc. I remember saying that if somehow my "mind" were transferred from my body to some robot--which I felt was impossible--it might be that everyone else would agree that it was a remarkable likeness but that I would be gone. Hans replied that I undervalued myself--that I am software not hardware. After many arguments along these lines I said, "Hans, I now understand why you don't understand what I am saying about consciousness--you don't have it." This was all in good humor and later when I was teaching a course in AI to MBA students I invited Hans to continue our debate in class. A good time was had by all, I hope.
Frank --- Frank C. Wimberly 140 Calle Ojo Feliz (505) 995-8715 or (505) 670-9918 (cell) Santa Fe, NM 87505 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Martin C. Martin Sent: Saturday, July 08, 2006 7:16 PM To: The Friday Morning Applied Complexity Coffee Group Subject: Re: [FRIAM] 100 billion neurons I suspect you'd like Hans Moravec's books: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0674576187 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0195136306 He uses Moore's law and estimates of the brain's computing power to calculate when we'll have human equivalence in "a computer." I forget the date, but it's not far. He also talks about a number of very interesting consequences of this. - Martin ============================================================ FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College lectures, archives, unsubscribe, maps at http://www.friam.org ============================================================ FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College lectures, archives, unsubscribe, maps at http://www.friam.org
