From: Platt Holden (pholden@sc.rr.com)
Date: Sat Jan 08 2005 - 20:43:48 GMT
Hi Ham,
To repeat Pirsig's view of artificial intelligence:
> > A question arises if the term "consciousness" is
> > expanded to mean "intuition" or "mystic awareness." Then computers are
> > shut out by the fact that static patterns do not create Dynamic quality."
> > (Note 32, Lila's Child)
He is saying exactly what you say -- computers can never be conscious in
the same way that man is conscious. And just as your hero Hoffman says,
Pirsig agrees that consciousness in the sense of awareness or experience
is "fundamental."
> I do worry, Platt! The presumption that computers and biological
> manipulation will eventually replace consciousness is a very dangerous
> thought, indeed.
Pirsig doesn't presume that computers or biological manipulation will
replace man's conscious ability to respond to DQ, i.e., his intuitive
ability. Nor do I.
> Again, I find it necessary to express my
> disappointment in your having been so easily suckered into New Age
> scientism.
"New Age scientism" is an oxymoron because New Agers reject scientific
explanations of practically everything, attributing what happens in the
world to all sorts of mysterious and usually sinister forces such as man's
selfishness and greed which can only be changed by such practices as Yogi
meditation, communal living, pot smoking, uninhibited sex and dancing to
the beat of tom toms by the light of the moon.
I'm baffled as to how you got the idea that I'm a Hippie. Perhaps you'll
explain.
Regards,
Platt
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