From: paul@i2.to
Date: Tue Jul 27 1999 - 17:43:25 MDT
On Fri, 23 July 1999, Spike Jones wrote:
> paul@i2.to wrote:
>
> > I agree for other reasons as well. I remain unconvinced of the the
> > notion that individual neurons can be reduced to the functionality of
> > a simple on/off transistor. Neurons themselves have vasty complex
> > metabolic and neurotransmitter pathways....
>
> Sure Paul, but the *real* question is, can a neuron be reduced to the
> functionality of a few *thousand* transistors? I dont see why not.
> If it can, its only a matter of time before we can build a brain. spike
How many thousands is the real question. I suspect you're looking at 100's of
thousands. Sure, once you achieve the proper transistor density, the next
challenge is actually hooking them up in such a way as to accurately
emulate the entire spectrum of neurochemical activity! :-)
Therefore, my primary position is that the gap between uploading
and human-level AI is much narrower than is often argued.
Paul Hughes
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