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From: JAY@USC-ECLC@sri-unix.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.ai
Subject: intelligence is...
Message-ID: <4695@sri-arpa.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 25-Aug-83 17:48:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: sri-arpa.4695
Posted: Thu Aug 25 17:48:00 1983
Date-Received: Fri, 2-Sep-83 13:35:31 EDT
Lines: 29

From:  Jay <JAY@USC-ECLC>

  An intelligence must have at least three abilities; To act; To 
perceive, and classify (as one of: better, the same, worse) the
results of its actions, or the environment after the action; and
lastly To change its future actions in light of what it has perceived,
in attempt to maximize "goodness", and avoid "badness".  My views are 
very obviously flavored by behaviorism.

  In defense of objections I hear coming...  To act is necessary for 
intelligence, since it is pointless to call a rock intelligent since 
there seems to be no way to detect it.  To perceive is necessary of 
intelligence since otherwise projectiles, simple chemicals, and other 
things that act following a set of rules, would be classified as 
intelligent.  To change future actions is the most important since a 
toaster could perceive that it was overheating, oxidizing its heating
elements, and thus dying, but would be unable to stop toasting until
it suffered a breakdown.

  In summary (NOT (AND actp percievep evolvep)) -> (NOT intelligent), 
or Action, Perception, and Evolution based upon perception is
necessary for intelligence.  I *believe* that these conditions are
also sufficient for intelligence.

awaiting flames,

j'

PS. Yes, the earth's bio-system IS intelligent.