The Ethics of Automation

[neilho]

That which supports the continued existence, well-being, and advancement of intelligent life.

Intelligent life being....?

 

[mhajicek]

Intelligent life being....?

Definition of INTELLIGENT LIFE

beings that can learn and understand things… See the full definition

www.merriam-webster.com

 

[neilho]

We're making progress

So.... any being that can learn anything is intelligent life? "Understand" seems vague, but for the sake of argument, let's say that any species that can learn the difference between the colors black and white and retain that knowledge is intelligent.

That OK?

So if that species is suffering decline or extinction (as many have and continue to), their well being is either in decline or nonexistent. So it seems to me by that definition, progress is not possible.

 

[mhajicek]

We're making progress

So.... any being that can learn anything is intelligent life? "Understand" seems vague, but for the sake of argument, let's say that any species that can learn the difference between the colors black and white and retain that knowledge is intelligent.

That OK?

So if that species is suffering decline or extinction (as many have and continue to), their well being is either in decline or nonexistent. So it seems to me by that definition, progress is not possible.

Consciousness is not a binary switch, it's a continuum. The goal is to get higher on the continuum, and to help others get higher as well. You are correct that it's not possible to make progress on all fronts simultaneously, at least with a human level of understanding.

Religion for the Nonreligious — Wait But Why

Not a theist? Okay so what are you then?

waitbutwhy.com

 

[mhajicek]

The Musk worship is a little thick here, but there are some good points made:

 

[neilho]

Consciousness is not a binary switch, it's a continuum. The goal is to get higher on the continuum, and to help others get higher as well. You are correct that it's not possible to make progress on all fronts simultaneously, at least with a human level of understanding.

Religion for the Nonreligious — Wait But Why

Not a theist? Okay so what are you then?

waitbutwhy.com

Liked your link - though I did skim the last half for its salient points, most of which I concur with, especially: we are at this moment in time in this situation, never to be lived again. Do our best to make the most of it.

Seems to me that "a human level of understanding" is another term for "point of view". Also realize that this level of definition and proof leads back to the adolescent demand: Prove to me that I exist. Yeah, that was me

I've enjoyed the conversation.

 

[michiganbuck]

I'm thinking that, if you kissed a really pretty robot girl you would not know if she liked it or was just programmed to seem that she did.

Robots were thought to be an asset to humans but a think tank comprised of robots in Switzerland has concluded that with the elimination of humans fewer robots would be needed.

 

[neilho]

I'm thinking that, if you kissed a really pretty robot girl you would not know if she liked it or was just programmed to seem that she did.

I've known women like that