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From: mjs14@unix.brighton.ac.uk (shute)
Subject: Re: Strong AI and consciousness
Message-ID: <1994Nov28.151732.29983@unix.brighton.ac.uk>
Organization: University of Brighton, UK
References: <3b0o42$i2g@news.u.washington.edu> <1994Nov24.123227.27677@oxvaxd> <499572533wnr@luptonpj.demon.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 15:17:32 GMT
Lines: 34

In article <499572533wnr@luptonpj.demon.co.uk> Lupton@luptonpj.demon.co.uk writes:
>Programming is closely related to the theory of recursive
>functions and universality.

No, that's more like universal computation, surely?

Programming is merely the selection of the system's behaviour prior to
pressing the "go" button, and watching that behaviour being expressed.

For instance, a washing machine program is a chain of actions that
was selected for the washing machine back in the factory... months,
perhaps years, before the washing machine is made to act out that behaviour.

Similarly, computer programs are courses of action that are set up
in memory, ready for later execution.

>The problem is this: given my
>desire to program the following recursive function, what
>finite collection of things do I need to know about this 
>rock in order to set about the task of programming it?

You're assuming that the rock is capable of universal computation?

>Now I don't know whether it makes sense to talk about programming
>a rock - I suspect it doesn't. But that question cannot be answered
>merely by mentioning the surface of the rock and the waving of
>hands.

I certainly agree that by chipping away until the rock has a certain
shape, I can pre-select its behaviour when it is later rolled down
the hill.
-- 

Malcolm SHUTE.         (The AM Mollusc:   v_@_ )        Disclaimer: all
