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From: akempka@yoda.eecs.wsu.edu (kempka anthony aaron  - CS500)
Newsgroups: comp.ai.philosophy
Subject: Re: a naive idea
Keywords: intelligence, human, artificial
Message-ID: <1991Jun13.151337.105@serval.net.wsu.edu>
Date: 13 Jun 91 15:13:37 GMT
References: <1991May16.134123.6335@cdc835.cdc.polimi.it> <1991Jun12.194454.19379@pixar.com>
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In article <1991Jun12.194454.19379@pixar.com> markv@pixar.com (Mark VandeWettering) writes:
>>It may be a naive idea, but my assertion is that artificial intelligence 
>>is not worth for any economical results it may produce. In fact, it will
>
>Similar thinking would be along the lines of: we never need cars, horses
>can carry us and anything we need.  We don't need medicine, because there

I think you're missing his point somewhat. He is speaking of economic results
not results of convenience such as cars. I think he has a good point, although
a little misinformed. The fact is AI is indeed sought after for its economic
benefits. This is much the same as any other software product. If it weren't
cheaper to buy an accounting package than to hire an accountant, then the
software would not be purchased. A little business economics will show you
how expensive a real live person is in comparison to a machine. No vacation,
sick leave, insurance benefits, retirement, etc...

>
>>My point is that, even if we reach the point where we can "make" intellig-
>>ence out of silicon (or gallium arsenide), it will always be more costly
>>than to have intelligence produced to old way, that is, to make babies.
>

See above on economics.

Any future development of AI is no doubt going to be influenced by economic
forces. That is just the way capitalism works. However, this shouldn't
be looked upon as a hinderance, but rather a tool that can be used to
cultivate some of the current notions of AI.


Tony K.