Originally posted by KellyJay
Computers do what we tell them, if they didn't they would be useless. Now
sometimes we design them to do tasks that make them interact with us to
the point where they could fool us into thinking they are not a computer
but a person, that is not them becoming more of a person it is only our
awareness getting fooled not the computers getting more self aware.
Yes. But I think the fact of the matter is that a large number of people CAN be fooled. They may be fooled because they really want to think of the machine as almost being human.
Now, I agree, that somewhere back there are some engineers and programmers who know that they have simulated something human like in the machine. But often the people in positions of power are not as aware and may wishfully impose the device in their quest to "manage" society.
In addition to this, some of the people may become naively influenced though a limited elite smaller number are not. If an android like device is in the making some 25 years from now, granted, some engineers and programmers will know its just nuts and bolts and software.
I think though that the appeal and impressiveness of what is accomplished could be a fooling factor to less initiated masses. A large number of people think technology can solve every problem. If you ever consider the average TV commercial. What is the message? Too often the message is that technology has an answer to this or that problem.
The other thing to consider is that is if there is money to be made someone will find a way to provide something that people will pay for. Those Japanese technocrats knew that someone will pay to stay in a hotel that is serviced only by robots.
I don't argue that someone/s know that the plug can be pulled out of the socket no matter how good the machine.
IF Stephen Hawking floats the idea that a computer virus should be considered as form of life, as he has, don't you think we are not that far away from considering robots or androids as living persons ?
If not now then consider the addition of another 50 years.
We can apply ourselves to be better at anything, or we can sit on our hands
and do nothing! We will live with the results no matter what we do or don't
do.
I didn't suggest that going to the other extreme is some answer. I am not Amish. They made a decision that they would stop with the horse and buggy. Possibly that is an opposite extreme.
With respect to machine parts being added to our bodies, I like the idea of
us being able to give missing body parts, I like the idea of those with Type
1 or 2 diabetes getting a machine that can help with their insulin therapy,
and if we can improve the quality of life, lets do that.
We will not being turning people into Borg or robots, as I said, computers
will not become self aware, they are just adding machines, but they can do
several things that help us live out lives with greater quality.
Now, I agree for the most part. But think now in terms of the addition of another, say, 50 to 70 years.
The PC on your desk which you are now using, will look as obsolete as hand held washboard for washing cloths does today, as old fashion as a as a old fashion large box camera with its external flash bulb compared to the digital camera in your smart phone.
Maybe I overstate the case. But in the past there have been a few books about this technological explosion.
"The Gathering Darkness"
"Future Shock"
"The Soul of a New Machine".
(None of which I read entirely, except some of
Future Shock)