ECON The Abolition Of Work

John K Clark (johnkc@well.com)
Sat, 2 May 1998 22:34:10 -0700 (PDT)


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>>Me:
>>I wouldn't stop the development of hyper intelligent machines even
>>if I could, and out course I can't.

>Dan Fabulich <daniel.fabulich@yale.edu>
>OK. So what DID you mean by this? "I also think that the question of
>whether humans should give rights to machines is moot, the question
>of whether machines will give rights to humans is not."

What part didn't you understand?

>Since we can't stop the creation of hyper-intelligent robots, nor do
>we stand any chance of controlling them once we do

Yes, I thing that is almost certainly true.

>this doesn't seem like a very interesting question at all.

What's the question?

>"J. R. Molloy" <jr@shasta.com>
>How do you know that "the subjective experience of the machine is of
>interest to it"?

Just a guess, I'm also guessing that some things besides me have subjective
experiences.

>The term /intelligence/ generally refers to the ability to solve
>problems.

Yes.

>In contrast, sentience means the capability to appreciate, enjoy,
>and otherwise relate to sensate input.

Sensate input are just sensations, so you're saying sentience means the
ability to have sensations and the ability to have sensations means sentience.
I don't think you're going to be able to get much mileage out of that.

>Robots work mechanically, i.e., within a narrowly constrained area of
>action without regard to the wider aspects of the environment.

Present robots certainly do because present robots are stupid. I see no
reason why that limitation need be permanent.

John K Clark johnkc@well.com

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