>I don't understand the significance of
the distinction between sentient and
>non sentient robots made in this
thread. We have non sentient robots now,
>(probably, I can't prove it) but
they're also without any doubt dumb as
dirt
>and that's exactly why they haven't
changed the world yet. The subjective
>experience of the machine is of
interest to it, but from our point of
view
>the only important distinction is that
between a smart robot and a stupid one.
How do you know that "the subjective
experience of the machine is of interest
to it"? The term /intelligence/
generally refers to the ability to solve
problems. In contrast, sentience means
the capability to appreciate, enjoy, and
otherwise relate to sensate input.
Robots work mechanically, i.e., within a
narrowly constrained area of action
without regard to the wider aspects of
the environment. Sometimes people
operate in this mode, for instance when
they concentrate on a single project,
blocking out extraneous distractions.
Cheers,
J R