From: Spudboy100@aol.com
Date: Sun Sep 15 2002 - 01:33:02 MDT
Lee observed:
<<So far as I'm concerned, its chief value is to provide
explanations (call that pedantic if you wish). Others
will argue that since the purpose of government is to
regulate our lives, government policy needs to be
informed on what works and what doesn't.
Lee
P.S. Actually, I admire writers greatly, but couldn't
resist piling-on after what DB wrote. :-) >>
I still do not hold that the Bell Curve concept is genetically accurate,
being that racial attribution is a definitive means of intelligence. If the
author's contention is indeed untrue, then I would opine that the Bell Curve,
as a study, is an order of magnitude, somewhere below that of the invention
and application of fibreboard.
Moreover, let us imagine what could be a great equalizer of intelligence?
This would not be a Singularity, but may surely alter our world. That would
be the implementation of AI (and the PC's that run them) to solving personal
and technological problems.
Imagine in 30 years, a person could purchase a computer and load a massive
database, which somehow (hand-waving happening now) which is able to give
cogent advice, analyze complex problems, by using and testing intuitive ideas
by making and modeling solutions. We have seen the beginning of this in the
use of Combinational Chemistry. There have been no breakthroughs as such but
this the beginning of this new technology.
Now apply this magical advancement in research making its way down to Joe
Six-pack. Let us also imagine that these databases are specialized in varied
disciplines as psychology, economics, demographics, physics, materials
science, biology, medicine, physical chemistry. If a person needs help with
a problem, that would go to these expert systems and receive advice.
Following the database's advice, (yes it could be a subscription service on
the Uber-net), one's life improves.
The person fills in their own personal needs and the magic software spins out
several solutions. The user, may comment or raise doubts over the advice
given, and the computer can adjust, or query the user, to further sharpen the
analysis. My very, long-winded point on this metal foo-foo game, is that
such an innovation of this technology would seem to be a great equalizer, as
far as money, enjoyment of life, and yes, intelligence.
Now, I would need to ask; are the smartest people among the richest, or at
least wealthiest? Is Warren Buffet all that brilliant, or the Sultan of
Brunei, or Lord Gates. Could a person of mediocre intelligence have his life
enhanced because of the application of some hyper-advanced computer process?
I am one of those who celebrates the George (son of Freeman) Dyson approach
to extremely, advanced AI in his work, Darwin Among the Machines, where he
indicates that any super AI advancement will be interconnected, in some
fashion with humanity, and not separate from it, as is often contended on
this and other lists.
Conclusion: With a souped-up extra brain attached, that Bell Curve will,
instead, become a line that is nearly asymptotic for us cerebrally challenged
folks. ;-)
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