X-Message-Number: 25095
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2004 19:40:11 -0500
From: Francois <>
Subject: For Thomas Donaldson, computers, programs, brains

You have many times stated that a computer program behaving like a human
mind would need to "run" on some sort of hardware very much like a living
brain, because a brain is not like a computer. It can grow new connexions
and cull away old ones, reshaping its "circuitry" as it goes. That is very
true. However, I think that the whole thing could be programmed in pure
software, changing connexions and all. Simpler systems have already made
this transition. When neural nets were first studied, they were hardware
systems, made up of simple electronic modules linked with physical wires.
Later, these systems were modeled in software and became purely virtual
devices, yet their behaviors were not affected. A hardware neural net
capable of recognizing printed lettres was just as capable of doing the same
thing in its virtual form. It therefore may be possible to program a virtual
brain that would exist only in pure software form. Just like a virtual
neural net displays all the behaviors of its hardware counterpart, a virtual
brain would display all the behaviors we'd expect from a real flesh and
blood one. It would only need to be connected to the outside world through
some interface that would provide it with senses and mobility. It could, for
instance, read or write letters very similar to this one, create novels,
paintings, tell jokes, enjoy a sunset, form and recall memories, express
feelings, etc. Would it, however, actually experience those feelings? Would
it be a self aware, feeling, thinking person or would it only be a very good
automaton mimicking those behaviors? And would it be possible for an outside
observer to definitlely decide between the two possibilities?

Francois
The Devil fears those who learn more
than those who pray

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=25095