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Article 2327 of comp.ai.philosophy:
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>From: thomas@ckgp.UUCP (Michael Thomas)
Newsgroups: comp.ai.philosophy
Subject: Re: In the news (re: Searle's response to silicon brain?)
Summary: This just doesn't taste right?
Message-ID: <709@ckgp.UUCP>
Date: 20 Dec 91 22:16:05 GMT
References: <356@idtg.UUCP> <40858@dime.cs.umass.edu> <45183@mimsy.umd.edu>
Organization: CKGP Assoc. Inc. Birmingham, MI
Lines: 34

David Harwood writes:
>         The "neurochip" is an analog device, using very
> little power compared to conventional designs, and apparently
> simulates some internal electrical properties of neurons,
> and adaptively spikes output.
>        The article concludes with an assessment by Marvin
> Minsky, "I don't think this tells us anything we didn't
> already know," and, "To me it's such a long jump to the
> human brain that this isn't interesting. For one thing,
> there are several hundred kinds of neurons. Which one's
> this supposed to be?"

This does not agree with me... (a piece of uncooked info, perhaps)
Yes it is true, that there are several hundred different
"classifications" of neurons. Another point was overlooked though,
neurons are like snowflakes, no two are alike! None of mine match up
with any other of mine or anyone elses... The connections between neurons
are not the same when comparing between seperate brains... The amount of
neurons a brain contains varies... And all of this does not affect a
persons intelligence, or ability to function... (not refering to major
genetic deformation) The Point: this neurochip does NOT have to reflect
or simulate a specific neuron, but rather just be a neuron in a network
which handles a certain type of stimulus! The stimulus will determine
it's [neuron's] function (and classification), and that is the importance 
of having adaptive neurons and neural-chips. I have even heard gross rumors
that neurons can move around in the brain replacing and enhancing cortexs
due to learning and/or damage, thereafter changing their function to that
of the area... 

I would be intrested in hearing how others feel about how this will 
improve/effect research focused towards emulating MINDS and not brains?

NOTE: I tried not to direct this towards Marvin Minsky since he could
      have been miss-quoted.

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Thank you,            ||  "Sol est invisiblis in hominibus, in terra vero
Michael Thomas        ||   visibilis, tamen ex uno et eodem sole sunt ambo"
(..uunet!ckgp!thomas) ||                    -- Theatrum Chemicum (Ursel, 1602)
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