X-Message-Number: 25563
Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 07:30:38 -0500
From: Thomas Donaldson <>
Subject: CryoNet #25549 - #25556

For Peter Merel:

I would readily agree that a lot of computing methods (even neural
nets IN THE CURRENT SENSE OF COMPUTER THEORISTS) are unlikely to
produce anything like an intelligent creature. Nor, for that matter,
do I personally think we'd be wise to produce another intelligent
creature (even if its superior performance to us in the real world
as distinct from the world of computer simulation may turn out far
harder to do than most theorists believe). 

However all your arguments run up against brains. I don't even have
to give you human brains; the brains of insects serve quite well
enough. Nor, for that matter, is the case that other planets could
not produce creatures as intelligent as fruit flies nearly as strong
as any case that they could not produce creatures as intelligent
as human beings. 

The problem here is that brains work because they are networks of
neurons. Even insect brains leave most computer networks far
behind, but they're networks nonetheless. So exactly what is your
problem with making computers, even computers with the intelligence
of bees, out of networks? Please explain.

              Best wishes and long long life for all,

                   Thomas Donaldson

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