“(2) The “Heads in the Sand” Objection
‘The consequences of machines thinking would be too dreadful. Let us hope and believe that they cannot do so.’
This argument is seldom expressed quite so openly as in the form above. But it affects most of us who think about it at all. We like to believe that Man is in some subtle way superior to the rest of creation. It is best if he can be shown to be necessarily superior, for then there is no danger of him losing his commanding position. The popularity of the theological argument is clearly connected with this feeling. It is likely to be quite strong in intellectual people, since they value the power of thinking more highly than others, and are more inclined to base their belief in the superiority of Man on this power.
I do not think that this argument is sufficiently substantial to require refutation. Consolation would be more appropriate: perhaps this should be sought in the transmigration of souls.”
– Alan M. Turing, On Computing Machinery and Intelligence, 1950
“Preliminary Evaluation of the Interactive Drama Façade“, by Rachel Knickmeyer and Michael Mateas.
“Empathy: Its Ultimate and Proximate Bases”, by Stephanie D. Preston and Frans B. M. de Waal.
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