In writing for another one of my classes I came upon the coiner of the term "Artificial Intelligence", one John McCarthy. He is a computer programmer and is very interested in AI. He thinks that Intelligence can be described using logic; and more specifically thinks that it is possible to describe Common Sense using logic. He believes that common sense in a requirement for AI, I agree, but I wonder if Logic is the best way to describe common sense; it would appear to me that, at times, common sense goes against logic. Comments?
posted by Reacher Eriee at 3:01 PM
2 Comments:
Thinking about logic and common sense going against each other I think of good ole' Spock. Spock's character seemed to be naturally gifted in all sorts of mind fields, but not necessarily in common sense at first. I think if common sense always followed logically, there wouldn't be a separate term for it. Reverse psychology wouldn't be a useful tool for manipulating your friends! Useful examples escape me.. perhaps a Spock quote with something like "But Jim, that's illogical" would go here. I seem to recall Shatner having a knack for selecting the path Spock didn't expect and still winning at the end of the episode. If I think of a smashing example I will post it.
I like it, common sense is against logic. My aunt is very book smart, but she lacks common sense and I think of her when I read this. She approaches problems she has with a very precise method. She analyzes and over analyzes until she's thought the thing to death then she does what ever her brain tells her to do. I on the other hand, am the kind of guy who likes to go with his gut. Logic be damned! If something feels right to me I make that decision and I guess that's what I have always thought of as common sense, the ability to understand something without studying it so that you can make a good decision quickly. Can you teach a machine to go with its gut?
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