To Be honest I did not fully understand what exactly the article was trying to tell me, the reader. I re-read the meaning of symbiosis and read the analogy and it made sense to me, or at least i think! The computer needs to be compatible with humans although doing that requires a wide variety of requirements. These requirements almost seem to be unreachable. When it comes to computers they can answer many questions and do many things any ordinary person could not do on their own. The only thing is that computers need to be previously aware of the answer. Like a calculator, the computer already has all the answers it just needs to be asked the question. The problem that comes with that is there are new things that arise. Humans have a capability of creating a new way of doing things that computers do not. If something drastic has occurred a computer will need to be upgraded in order to keep up with the world. In this day and age I do believe the computer is trying to be more compatible for humans. In a sense computers are attempting to learn. All i need to do is type in the first few letters of my favorite Musical artist and my computer knows who I want to listen to. Computers are still a step behind us humans but are catching up.
-SOUTHPAW
Hi Southpaw!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry buddy! I think after reading other posts from our classmates, I am sure that we're all a little confused on the complexity of the verbiage. However, I might add that you hit the main point of this article. I wish the author of this article would break it down and write similar to your post so that we can all get a better sense of how a man-made machine is would be symbiosis to a human. But I do agree that as humans we tend to have way more capabilities than a computer would. We are constantly creating ideas, thoughts, and am very analytical. Unfortunately, the computer only has the knowledge based on what we program it to understand.
Hey you guys!
ReplyDeleteLike deebot, I loved your (SOUTHPAW's) explanation of the article. I believe that computers will always be a step behind humans, after all, humans design the programs by which computers "understand" the world. These programs are restricted and minuscule when compared to the human body and mind.
SOUTHPAW, I enjoyed the phrase "computers are attempting to learn." I do believe that machines are capable of great and extraordinary deeds; however, are not these accomplishments possible as result of human ingenuity and programming? Can a computer ever learn? How should the term “learn” be defined? Do computers have the ability to make sense of the world? Your phrase has caused me to view the contents of Licklider's article from a philosophical perspective (BTW, I enjoy philosophy). :) I agree with your statement "these requirements almost seem to be unreachable." I too question the possibility of achieving human computer symbiosis in present day society. As stated in my post, the phrase "human computer symbiosis" connotes to me a process whereby humans and machines are physically integrated with one another to produce a cyborg-like being. Am I crazy or did this thought pop into your head too?
As for understanding the article... I am with both of you.
Jay from the Bay