<A HREF="http://www.idg.net/go.cgi?id=543316">Hawking: Re-engineer humans or risk machine rule</A> <i> Since computers double their capacity every 18 months, there's a real danger they will develop intelligence, the Cambridge University physicist told the German news magazine "Focus," which published the interview in its Monday edition. Hawking's comments, reminiscent of the scenario in Stanley Kubrick's science fiction film "2001: A Space Odyssey," were published along with an introduction to his forthcoming book, "The Universe in a Nutshell." Hawkings said scientists could deliberately change genetic material, increasing the complexity of DNA and thus improving humans. It will be a slow process, because it takes around 18 years, or a generation, to determine the effects of genetic manipulation, he said. It is vital to develop ways of keeping biological systems superior to electronic ones, Hawking continued. Humans must develop an interface that allows the human brain to be directly connected to a computer, so that the artificial brain contributes to human intelligence, rather than opposing it. Hawking, who has the neurological disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (known in the U.S. as Lou Gehrig's disease) -- uses a motorized wheelchair and communicates with the aid of a portable computer and speech synthesizer. </i> <A HREF="http://www.hawking.org.uk/">Hawking's Web Site</A> Mango
It is vital to develop ways of keeping biological systems superior to electronic ones, Hawking continued. Humans must develop an interface that allows the human brain to be directly connected to a computer, so that the artificial brain contributes to human intelligence, rather than opposing it. Couldn't this work both ways? If, as he predicts, computers develop intelligence, couldn't the computers "learn" to control the humans if attached to the human brain?
Yeah, I think I'll do it on chat, but that will be a nightmare to keep up with the first to post the correct response. I'll need a spotter to watch and keep score for me
I think he's trying to say we have to stay one step ahead of computers so this doesn't happen. I agree with his beliefs, the progress in computing power just over the past 10 years is incredible. I'm afraid to think what it will be like in the year 2050 especially if Moore's Law, which Hawking mentions, holds true. The concept of neural networks interfacing with chips isn't that far-fetched either. There's a lot of research going into it as we speak and some breakthroughs. I just find it tragic that someone as brilliant as Hawking has to be a victim of this disease. Yes, it's bad for anyone to be a victim, but somehow I feel a bigger loss since it's Hawking. I had an aunt die from this disease about 2 years ago. Great topic, Mango.
I pray I'll be dead before we start connecting human brains up to computer chips. Good luck, Grandkids!! I find humans to be extremely interesting...our differences and our peculiarities to be the spice of life. These peculiarities and nuances are the things we fall in love with in other people...the things we value. I do not wish to live in a world where people can't forget to take the trash out...or forget where they left their keys, or have some odd quirks etc. When I stop being human, I really don't want to be around anymore. And when others around me stop being human, I really don't want to hang around.
MadMax, Step away from the Thunderdome. No one's saying you will become a Borg. Some of the more interesting research being done regarding a cybernetic interface is in the interest of mentally handicapped people. This would allow them to move, to "speak", etc., by merely thinking it. Now that would be awesome. Also, no one is saying our brains will somehow be replaced by computer chips. No one is saying that if a microchip somehow interfaces with your synapses that you will lose your individuality, either. That's an extreme point of view. I'm sure a few decades ago people were saying "Calculators? pffttt! A good ol' pencil and piece of paper's all ya need!". And now you're sitting here typing your fears on a computer. As for me, I hope I'm alive to experience a technological breakthrough like the interfacing of the human mind with a microprocessor/IC. The melding of human ingenuity, compassion, thought, and intelligence with the brute force and computing power of a computer. Sounds scary, but 50-100 years from now it will probably be commonplace. ... provided we haven't blown ourselves up or destroyed the planet by then.
Does anyone know how long Hawking has had ALS? I thought that most people who get ALS die very shortly after contacting the disease. Maybe his wheelchair and the other things he has is why he is still alive, and that ordinary people cannot afford to get these things when they get ALS.
I did a report on Hawking's "A Brief History of time" when I was in 5th grade, so this may be wrong, but I thought he found out about the injury after falling out of a tree and injuring himself severely during his college years. I believe he was diagnosed with the disease when he was 21.
I don't know much about ALS other than my aunt died from it, but it became difficult for her to walk one year without pain, but she lived for at least 5-6 years before anyone figured out what the problem really was. Towards the end of her life, her whole body had lost control of itself. Her facial muscles just seemed to go limp, she couldn't feed herself, etc. No wheelchair could've helped her at that point. It really is painful to watch such brilliance just die in front of you like Hawking.
TPL, I read the book and recall that he did find out about his ailment at the age of 21. I don't recall the falling out of the tree part, but you may be right. I remember him noticing he was getting clumsier as time went on. Hawking is the embodiment of the sheer power of the human mind. To formulate theories and do the types of calculations he does in his FREAKIN' HEAD is something I can't even begin to imagine. There are those that believe that this is one reason he has managed to fight off ALS for over 30-35 years - the sheer power of his mind. Who knows. He's awesome. Besides... the guy likes Depeche Mode and his kid works for Microsoft, so he can't be that bad, right. Oh, and I talked to my mom and she confirmed that the average person diagnosed with ALS usually only lives about 2-5 years after the diagnosis.
Dr. -- I recognize that my statements look like I'm standing in the way of progress. I'm just telling you that I don't think man will stop "progress." Progress eventually can turn ugly. And progress in the wrong hands usually does. This opens us up to concepts of mind control like we only see in science fiction novels. I'm not sure I want the computing power of a machine to process information for me. If you do, go get 'em!!! I think that in life the journey is more important than the destination. I think we can redefine the word "human" to include whatever else you want it to include...but ultimately white is white...red is red...and if you change the definition the color you're looking at is no longer white or red but whatever color you're choosing to slap that label on to. It's not for me...that's all I'm saying. People like me need to die first before this kind of thing becomes universally accepted. If I'm the old codgy stooge who hinders progress (despite being only 27 years old), then so be it. I'll die with my "slower" mind in peace and happiness. Many times intelligence is not wisdom, and I'm afraid we're hitting some slippery slopes that we may wish we had never approached.
