ge

praise teh ge

PRAISE THE GRAND EXCHANGE AND ALL OF ITS GLORY

the omega was right!

Can a Computer be a Mind?

I had to write a paper on whether or not a computer can be a mind for my Computational Theory class and thought I might share it. I would love to have a discussion about this.

Can a Computer be a Mind?

Can a computer be a mind? I want to first off define computer and mind. I will be using computer, for the most part, to invoke the idea of “a machine for performing calculations automatically” and I use machine in the sense of “any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks” [1][2]. I will try to address all possible interpretations of the concept of a mind in order to satisfy many possible interpretations, the interpretation of mind will be more clearly defined below, but for now feel free to interpret mind as you will. With definitions cleared up we can return to the question that has plagued the minds of computer scientists for the good part of a half century. “Can a computer be a mind?” arguments for what defines a mind will be addressed and at interpretation an argument will be made if a computer can prove itself to be a mind with that given definition.

Often when discussing a mind the idea of intelligence comes out. Intelligence is defined as the capacity for learning, reasoning, and understanding[3]. However, human interpretation of intelligence has changed over the years and so I will address the evolution of intelligence and it will be made clear that as computers begin to enter the threshold of intelligence we keep moving the metaphorical goal post of what qualifies as intelligence.

Long ago before “a machine for performing calculations automatically” –called a computer—was created computer meant “an expert at calculation” –like a human[4]. Humans who performed various mathematics were considered intelligent and computers. In 1936 the Z1 Computer was created and was capable of performing various mathematical calculations. Was it ever considered intelligent? In all my research I found not a single article praising the creation of a higher system or acknowledgement by some nation that the Z1 computer had human rights and should not be subjected to do so much work. Perhaps because the Z1 was only capable of 22 bit floating point math with simple operations. My TI-89 can solve areas under the curve, solve roots, and other various math problems, and I have never once been arrested for abusing another fellow intelligent being. If I cage another human being and force them to do math I get arrested, but this doesn’t apply with my calculator.  

Clearly math was too easy a test. After all it’s nothing more than simple repetitive mindless tasks. At some point it was decided that chess was a sign of intelligence. It seemed like a solid test, your average Majid Alnouri can do simple 1+1 math but can’t solve his way out of a chess problem. Thus, chess became a test of intelligence since chess players are considered intelligent by their fellow humans. While highly controversial, the IBM Deep Blue computer eventually beat Gary Kasprov –a chess Grand Master considered by many as the best player in the world[5][6]. However computer-human intelligence equality was still not achieved. While the match may have been controversial, today people are successfully using phones to beat Master and Grandmaster chess players[7]. By today’s standards computers have to be considered intelligent as they have entered nearly every human domain available. The next goal post hasn’t been defined yet (I bet people are too scared and have realized how simple we are) but when it is history has shown technology is more than ready to make it there. 

Creativity is sometimes brought up with intelligence. People argue intelligence is one think but computers can be creative and therefore there is a function of the brain and or mind that computers cannot replicate. Yet, we have developed systems that create music[8] and paint[9] and to me those are creative feats, so to say computers are not creative would be wrong. It is universally accept that art requires creativity[10]. Is there no function a brain and or mind can perform that a computer can’t do?

Alan Turing, one of the greatest computer scientists purposed a solid definitive test for intelligence that was about being human –the Turing test[11]. The famous test involves an interviewer and two hidden candidates that are interviewed. The interviewer must determine who is a computer through a series of chat conversations. The Turing test is somewhat controversial and in my opinion pointless. The test is not about intelligence but deceit. How can I trick the interviewer or convince him I am human? Some systems introduced simply stated computer jokes like “Out of memory cannot compute”, “need more ram”, and so on[12]. The idea being that an interviewer might think he or she is joking around with a human. Some say that is intelligence, but I would fight and say conversing does not mean you are intelligent. I could be a hermit who solves problems from his basement and considered intelligent by my peers but I would never have to converse for people to know I am intelligent. Besides there is too much variance in the process: the interviewer is biased and under what authority are a group of people allowed to say “this system is intelligent?” I didn’t vote to make deem it intelligent. If a bot can fool a person who never conversed before what right does he have to bestow the title of intelligence to them? Apart from my personal reasoning, the Chinese room thought experiment by John Searle is a good counter case for the Turing Test[13].

Back to the original query: “can a computer be a mind?” Any definition of mind that references intelligence such as: “intellect or understanding, as distinguished from the faculties of feeling and willing; intelligence” have been removed as computers have been able to beat humans on nearly every front in the battle for intelligence[14]. However, another definition of a mind is “(in a human or other conscious being) the element, part, substance, or process that reasons, thinks, feels, wills, perceives, judges, etc.” that definition is tightly coupled to the notion of living beings and even specifies that. If we allowed the removal of the first clause (that this definition applies to human or other conscious being) then we have something interesting. The mind in this sense is interpreted as driving force that “reasons, thinks, feels, wills, perceives, judges, etc.” What does it mean to think? Thinking has been defined as: “to have a conscious mind, to some extent of reasoning, remembering experiences, making rational decisions, etc.” While there are other definitions this was covers the other definitions and interestingly enough there was a definition of think that was not so helpful “(of a device or machine, especially a computer) to use artificial intelligence to perform an activity analogous to human thought”[15]. Sticking with the original definition, we can all agree computers are more than capable of memory recall, reasoning, and rationalizing decisions. So what is left? I say nothing. Now this brings up a very serious religious and spiritual issue of free will. After all, if we can make a computer that is like us in every way, does not suggest we are determinist and thus have no free will? I am not going to answer that here because that is a consequence that is outside of my initial query. Consequences should not obscure the truth, no matter how gloom it may be. 

People often say conscious is where the mind dwells. Neuroscience is still relatively young and we have been table to point to a set of neurons and say “those are your conscience”[16][17][18]. The conscience is also loosely defined and the functions are not clearly outlined. Major breakthroughs have been made in the last couple of decades with technological advancements in brain mapping and monitoring brain activities. I chose not fight on this shaky ground as at any point it could sway either way. Scientists have been able to replicate false memories in mice, and it’s only a matter of time before the entire brain is mapped out and regional functions are found[19][20]. I would revisit this once neuroscience (one of which is consciousness) and cogitative science have solved their problems[21][22].

Some people will also suggest the existence of a soul or some non-physical system and say that is the mind. Such a system is difficult to prove and subject to different philosophies and religions. However, I will entertain the idea. What if we have a soul and that is the mind? I would first need to see evidence of a soul and until so I will continue to live as though it does not exist. If a soul were proven to be true then my argument might change, but only after the function was clearly defined and it was proven to exist. It is not a matter of belief but knowledge.

I think a computer can be a mind. I have outlined my definition of a mind and given various examples of computers doing human-like problems, tasks, or functions. I acknowledge there are some unknowns currently existing that could disproof my stance, but first they must verified and proven before we even consider them in this discussion. I have outlined an argument on known human knowledge and touched on the edge of the unknown.

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[1] http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=computer&sub=Search+WordNet&o2=&o0=1&o8=1&o1=1&o7=&o5=&o9=&o6=&o3=&o4=&h=

[2] http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=machine&sub=Search+WordNet&o2=&o0=1&o8=1&o1=1&o7=&o5=&o9=&o6=&o3=&o4=&h=00

[3] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/intelligence

[4] http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=computer&sub=Search+WordNet&o2=&o0=1&o8=1&o1=1&o7=&o5=&o9=&o6=&o3=&o4=&h=

[5] http://listverse.com/2009/09/06/top-10-greatest-chess-players-in-history/

[6] http://www.theguardian.com/news/2008/jan/19/mainsection.obituaries

[7] Crowther, Mark (11 August 2008). "THE WEEK IN CHESS 718". TWIC. London Chess Centre. Retrieved 15 August 2012. "The Copa Mercosur took place 29th July – 7th August 2008. Pocket Fritz 3 won the event with 8/10."

[8] http://www.ccsr.uiuc.edu/web/Techreports/1990-94/CCSR-91-20.pdf

[9] http://bengrosser.com/projects/interactive-robotic-painting-machine/

[10] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/art

[11] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turing_test

[12] http://www.radiolab.org/blogs/radiolab-blog/2012/mar/19/turing-problem/

[13] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_room

[14] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mind

[15] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/thinks

[16] Libet B, Freeman A and Sutherland K (eds). The Volitional Brain: Towards a Neuroscience of Free Will. Imprint Academic. Thorverton. 2000

[17] AC Grayling. "Do We Have a Veto?" Times Literary Supplement. 2000; 5076 (14 July): 4

[18]Batthyany, Alexander: Mental Causation and Free Will after Libet and Soon: Reclaiming Conscious Agency. In Batthyany und Avshalom Elitzur. Irreducibly Conscious. Selected Papers on Consciousness, Universitätsverlag Winter Heidelberg 2009, p.135ff

[19] http://www.technologyreview.com/news/517226/scientists-make-mice-remember-things-that-didnt-happen/

[20] http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/nueroscience/mapping-the-brain-in-unprecedented-detail-15727629

[21] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_unsolved_problems_in_neuroscience

[22] http://www.academia.edu/377807/Advanced_Issues_in_Cognitive_Science_and_Semiotics

Getting Ideas to Spread and Otaku

Recently I watched a lecture How to get your ideas to spread by Seth Godin. I suggest watching the lecture before reading on.

Mr. Godin talked about otaku and the importance of otaku for the success of a project. When I think of some successful ideas I can clearly see the large user base behind the idea. A good example is Linux; I am amazed by the level of dedication, commitment, and fervor of Linux fan boys. I mean Apache is an open source platform present on over half of the top servers in the world[1]. How amazing that people would dedicate their own free time to a project that will net them no financial gain? These people have jobs and yet they spend thier free time working with strangers all in the name of progress. This isn’t just for Linux, and this applies for all Open Source projects. And to be honest this doesn’t surprise me because I think we have an instinct to contribute to the general knowledge. I work tirelessly on a project that I have no intention of getting money from, but I believe in the project and I think it will allow me to contribute to the grand pool of human knowledge, and I would gladly do this for free over a thousand times. 

As I continue my work on the Delta Project and the Graph Engine I look forward to the point where I can release it on some open source site for others to begin collaborating with me.

Eventually the project might reach some satisfactory state where I would be happy to release it fully, and at this point I have been thinking on how to get acceptance. That lecture interested me because I have always wondered how popular ideas got to be so popular. I mean there are plenty of good ideas that are proven to work, and yet have not been fully accepted. How do you share an idea? How do you get acceptance? How do ideas spread?

These are all fascinating questions I had coming in. I didn’t have all of them answered but I was happy with what I learned.

My favorite moment was his discussion of otaku. It was great because I realized that my involvement in the Delta Project arose from otaku. I think if someone shows their passion for idea it makes acceptance a lot easier. When someone is pouring their heart out, you listen and empathize with them and the human body is amazing at mimicking emotions; so when someone is very happy you will also mirror those emotions. Also I think it’s much easier to relate to people who are passionate because we have all had the experience of loving something with all our being.

When I first talked to Professor Alpha about Concept Modeling I had no knowledge about Knowledge Representation, Natural Language Processing, or Computer Theory. I got hooked initially because I could tell he was passionate and the ideas were interesting. Granted I am naturally curious and I liked the idea because it touched on fields of study that interested me, and there were plenty of other factors, but I doubt I would have accepted the project if he hadn’t put his heart in it.

My passion for C# arose from my interactions with Prof. Kappa. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about C# and the language details that I just wanted mirror that knowledge and passion. I mean this guy knew practically everything about the language and he loved to talk about it. Check him out. I know…anonymity broken…but I don’t really care I just want to protect them, so don’t mention how you found them.

When I think about it more I realize all my passions arose from others who properly conveyed their passion and I sort of just followed along. I think there is a class of people that feed off of passion.

So what is the take away?

                Otaku is important for the survival of an idea.

                Find your own otaku whatever it maybe. Bonus points if it contributes to human            

                knowledge.

    Consider Open Source Projects (I will explain in the future).

Your Friend,

Abdulmajid Alnouri

P.S: Don’t care about the gap between posts. I will try to post on a regular basis now that I have found the image I want to create for this blog.

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[1] http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2012/09/10/september-2012-web-server-survey.html

Failures and Moving On

Wow. I am surprised this blog is still alive. Looks like I have epically failed at my attempt to have a blog and post daily! Live and learn.
So what happened? I guess I got carried away with my project but I believe I lacked the will to have a blog. I think deep down I feared the level of commitment a blog requires and that I would not be able to do this. I think self-reflection on ones failures can help us all grow. I will once again try to kick start this blog again and I hope to start another blog centered on my Semantic Similarity Project.
This is going to be fun! I have just moved to a new apartment and conviction has been revitalized. Nothing like a whole new atmosphere to help get the juices flowing.

Your Writer,
Abdulmajid Alnouri