X-Message-Number: 18124 From: "john grigg" <> Subject: "HAL and VAL sittin' in a tree!" Date: Sun, 09 Dec 2001 10:24:39 [start of excerpt] The scientists of the day do not even attempt to look at the data because they know it is impossibly far out of their comprehension: VAL has, in one month done what it would take the billion researches 100 years of catch up schooling even to begin to understand the mathematics behind the research. Result, we must just accept the products of our marvellous VAL. Result, we are totally dependent on our super intelligent beast. We have created something that has so surpassed human intelligence and speed that it puts VAL thousands of years ahead of us. We are like peasant farmers trying to work out how a television works. Of course our super advanced VAL has built for us a superb defence system, to ward of the possibility of invading aliens or meteorites, the technology of which non of us mere humans can even begin to understand. [end of excerpt] Scott asks: Why wouldn't we just ask VAL do figure out how we can become as intelligent as it is before it becomes self aware? (end) LOL!! This discussion reminds me of countless discussions from the Extropian list. Basically, there are some people in the "know" who say AI will not have motives and desires like we do, and therefore can be trusted if programmed properly. To make sure of this, Eliezer Yudkowsky, a brilliant young theorist, has devoted his life to "friendly AI programming theory." In time he even wants to build a machine to prove his point. I think William may really enjoy looking over Eliezer's website. http://sysopmind.com/beyond.html Of course, other experts say at a certain point any truly self-upgrading AI would get to the point where it would have motives, strong desires(like self-preservation) and possibly even a form of emotions. I think we must be good parents who create and "raise" our mind children wisely. best wishes, John _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=18124