Arthur M. Recesso (amrecess@valdosta.edu)
Thu, 01 Jul 1999 13:08:43 -0500
Date: Thu, 01 Jul 1999 13:08:43 -0500 From: "Arthur M. Recesso" <amrecess@valdosta.edu> Subject: brain v computers -reply
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Arun-
This a step beyond the prosthetic arm and fingers being able to work
because a computer-chip and electrodes are connected to existing tendons
where a limb was severed. Similar efforts have involved studies using
the eye as a means to move the cursor and operate the computer. Hey why
not go directly to the source and enable the electrical impulse of the
brain run the computer!
a) The computer is only capable of what is programmed to do...by a
human. It limitations of "thought" are limited to what we make it able
to do. To my knowledge there is no means to generating the gray matter
we call brains in order to replicate the electrical impulses and
chemicals we perceive as thoughts and emotions. Until the time when a
true artificial intelligence is created computers will remain mired in
this limitation.
b/c) True. I guess the critical factor concerning the connection
between computer and brain for the sake of action (like flying) is the
ability to process "correct" information to the brain. What are we
seeing? Are we seeing what we think we are seeing?...and that relay of
correct information would enable our brain to make a more accurate
decision. Would this accurate-transmission-of-information-process
enable us to make decisions concerning factual knowledge and
"stimulus-response" behaviors? Certainly we cannot consider it to make
us more capable critical thinkers. As you say the brain tires..but is
that a physical or mental reaction? The computer works tirelessly, but
if it works tirelessly inaccurately because it does not have the
capability of judgment then there are obvious concerns especially when
we consider military type operations. The Chinese embassy in Kosovo
comes to mind.
d) I would agree the computer cannot do anything I do not tell it to.
Any virtual reality programming I create with virtual/realistic people
talking to children and teaching them will not work or even answer
questions correctly unless I have programmed the computer properly. The
computer cannot assimilate information across domains of knowledge or
experience in order to calculate a decision.....unless I have programmed
the decision rules enabling the computer to do so. This has been the
frustration with artificial intelligence.
I wonder what impact such a device will have on society. Is the
computer-to-brain connection doomed to uselessness because in the end
all it will do is open the refrigerator door for us? The replication of
thought and the human mind has proven to be more daunty a task than many
people estimated...I would guess. I imagine there are some of us out
there that are contemplating the use of such a device to replace
learning and maybe even teaching! At this time the memory of the IBM
Big Blue Chess machine is still fresh in our minds...by the way was that
Fisher or Karpov?
Art
-- ________________________________ Dr. Arthur M. Recesso Assistant Professor Education Center Room 150 Department of Secondary Education Curriculum and Instructional Technology. Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA 31698 (912)259-5099ph. (912)333-7167fax http://chiron.valdosta.edu/amrecess/amrecess.htm--------------------------------------------------------- Forum website: http://ifets.gmd.de/ Forum's contact person: kinshuk@ieee.org Info on Join/Leave List: http://ifets.gmd.de/maillist.html ---------------------------------------------------------
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