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From: daemon@houligan.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.ai
Subject: Re: computer dialogue
Message-ID: <388@houligan.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 23-Apr-86 12:59:04 EDT
Article-I.D.: houligan.388
Posted: Wed Apr 23 12:59:04 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 27-Apr-86 05:40:27 EDT
Sender: daemon@houligan.UUCP
Organization: Gould Electronics, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Lines: 32

*
Keywords: feelings
Summary: programmable feelings

In article mit.eddi.1439, Joseph Mankoski writes:

>	Now, what does this mean for feelings?  Well, I won't go that
>far, but I would assert that a 'survival instinct' is a much simpler
>thing that can be simulated on a computer.  The space shuttle
>computers could be thought of as programmed to survive, in just the
>same way that evolution has programmed animals to survive.  No
>consciousness is necessary(yet), just a goal and a means to that goal.
>It should be noted that the means of continuing survival available to
>the space shuttle computers are very minimal right now, but even
>animals must draw upon a limited set of defenses in order to survive.

In addition to a survival instinct, consider this: one thing that would
cause the shuttle computers to stop a countdown would be a buildup of
carbon dioxide in the crew compartment.  Since a CO2 buildup wouldn't
pose a (direct) threat to the computers, it's difficult to label this
as a survival-instinct type of action.  However, a CO2 buildup would
obviously pose a threat to the astronauts.  So, here we find the computers
taking action in a situation where the computers themselves aren't
threatened, but the human occupants of the shuttle are.  Can it be said
that, in this case, the computers "care" for the astronauts?

Dave Cornutt
Gould Computer Systems 
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

"The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of my employer,
not necessarily mine, and probably not necessary."