I heard on the wireless yesterday that the current head of Microsoft lies awake worrying that people are forming relationships with AI tools as if they were human. He used the expression 'seemingly conscious AI' and I think that is a good place to start. When , in normal circumstances do questions of consciousness arise? … Continue reading Why do we suppose AI might be conscious?
On looking at the sky on a summer night
a haiku, with enjambment I cannot believe that the stars were made to please us – and yet, they do.
My philosophy paper
The politics of envy: Trump and Zelenskyy
'So excellent a king; that was, to this,Hyperion to a satyr' (Hamlet, Act I, scene 2) We know Donald J Trump to be a nasty and vindictive man, but even so his recent outburst against Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a man that most of the world holds in high regard, comes as something of a shock; yet … Continue reading The politics of envy: Trump and Zelenskyy
Where is Thomas Gradgrind when you need him?
‘Now, what I want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts alone are wanted in life. Plant nothing else, and root out everything else. You can only form the minds of reasoning animals upon Facts: nothing else will ever be of any service to them. This is the principle on which … Continue reading Where is Thomas Gradgrind when you need him?
Chapter 4: A visit to the boatyard
Bronze Toad has arranged for the Consortium to visit his ancestral boatyard with a view to restoring Small and Sheep's sailing boat which has been languishing neglected since they bought it at auction some half-a-dozen years ago. After a preliminary survey to establish what needs attention, Ink Monkey has gone rather deeper, researching what kind … Continue reading Chapter 4: A visit to the boatyard
Chapter Three: A Question of Scale
The Consortium join Ink Monkey in her research Badger came on Ink Monkey in the library, poring over books and plans. She had been busy all morning down at the boat with her measuring-tape and little black note-book. 'You're hard at work, Madam Secretary,' said Badger. 'O, hello Badger! This really is the most marvellous … Continue reading Chapter Three: A Question of Scale
Chapter Two: where to begin? an initial survey
The consortium being formed, Small is eager to start at once. He starts up from the table as if to go. Badger speaks calming words. 'Let us not be hasty! as Ink Monkey has indicated, we have much to learn. The best course is to do what we can at the outset and not waste … Continue reading Chapter Two: where to begin? an initial survey
Chapter One: A Consortium is Formed
Nearly half-a-dozen years have passed since Small and Sheep – the country's foremost questing pair – bought a boat at auction. It was a typically impulsive purchase on Small's part, who is always thinking of what their next quest will be. Although the boat was not in the best condition, being without masts or rigging … Continue reading Chapter One: A Consortium is Formed
This is not the system we need to reform
I am uneasy with the present clamour from all sides of the Opposition for an immediate General Election. It is based on the spurious ground that Rishi Sunak has no mandate to be Prime Minister. In fact, he has all the mandate he needs – he commands the confidence of the House. He does so … Continue reading This is not the system we need to reform
COMPLEAT TROWZER 