Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!ncrlnk!ncrcae!hubcap!gatech!rutgers!aramis.rutgers.edu!klaatu.rutgers.edu!josh
From: josh@klaatu.rutgers.edu (J Storrs Hall)
Newsgroups: comp.ai
Subject: Re: Artificial Intelligence and Intelligence
Message-ID: <Dec.16.22.49.43.1988.12646@klaatu.rutgers.edu>
Date: 17 Dec 88 03:49:45 GMT
References: <4040a289.9d8d@hi-csc.UUCP> <4639@homxc.UUCP>
Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J.
Lines: 20

Marty Brilliant writes:
    In article <4040a289.9d8d@hi-csc.UUCP>, harper@hi-csc.UUCP (Paul L.
    Harper) drew a lot of FLAK for writing:
    > I am continually amazed at the faith of AI "researchers"
     ...

    The probable reason why he drew so much FLAK is that there is some
    truth in what he said, some elements that are unfair, and much that is
    unwelcome and confusing to some people.

The real reason he drew so much "FLAK" is that he wanted to, and said
exactly what would press the most buttons on an AI devotee.

Even if every word he said were true, and AI really a "leap of faith"
religious creed, his action in posting would be equivalent to running
into a church service and shouting denunciations of the worshippers.
If AI is a religion, why not let us practice it in peace?  --and of
course if it is not, the denunciations are stupid as well as malicious.

--JoSH