Nuerons vs. Transitors: was Re: longevity vs singularity

paul@i2.to
27 Jul 1999 16:43:25 -0700

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