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











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