In which we are joined by Ezri of Swampside Chats, to continue our discussion of "Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgement to Calculation" by Joseph Weizenbaum.
Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgment to Calculation (1976) by Joseph Weizenbaum displays the author's ambivalence towards computer technology and lays out the case that while artificial intelligence may be possible, we should never allow computers to make important decisions because computers will always lack human qualities such as compassion and wisdom.
Weizenbaum makes the crucial distinction between deciding and choosing. Deciding is a computational activity, something that can ultimately be programmed. It is the capacity to choose that ultimately makes one a human being. Choice, however, is the product of judgment, not calculation. Comprehensive human judgment is able to include non-mathematical factors such as emotions. Judgment can compare apples and oranges, and can do so without quantifying each fruit type and then reductively quantifying each to factors necessary for mathematical comparison.
If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon.
Links:
B33 - Brain of the Firm, Chapter 18, Part 2
B32 - Brain of the Firm, Chapter 18, Part 1
083 - John Boyd, Part 2: Patterns of Conflict
B31 - Brain of the Firm, Chapter 17, Part 5
082 - John Boyd, Part 1: Destruction and Creation
081 - Anarchist Cybernetics, Part 3
B30 - Brain of the Firm, Chapter 17, Part 4
080 - Anarchist Cybernetics, Part 2
B29 - Brain of the Firm, Chapter 17, Part 3
079 - Anarchist Cybernetics, Part 1
B28 - Brain of the Firm, Chapter 17, Part 2
B27 - Brain of the Firm, Chapter 17, Part 1
B26 - Brain of the Firm, Chapter 16
B25 - Brain of the Firm, Review of Section 3
B24 - Brain of the Firm, Chapter 15, Part 2
078 - Kentucky Route Zero, Act 5, Part 2
077 - Kentucky Route Zero, Act 5, Part 1
B23 - Brain of the Firm, Chapter 15, Part 1
076 - Kentucky Route Zero, Un Pueblo de Nada
B22 - Brain of the Firm, Chapter 14
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Modern West
강유원의 책담화冊談話
The Art of Manliness
Philosophize This!
Dear Hank & John
کتاب باز - صفحه رسمی