Week 3: Can Computers Think?

Week 3: Can Computers Think?


While reading unit 2, I was struck by an uncontrollable thought that this generation has no idea that the world they know has at one point never had computers. It is so common place now a days that I am afraid that children may forget what physical activities are. This statement brings me to this conclusion, “…that robots will become commonplace and even be able to think and respond in the way their human creators do.” (Beedles, 123) What a scary thought, but it could be a strong possibility. When I was in grade school I remember the first computer my parents bought. It was big and bulky. I had to use a program called DOS to have the computer do anything. Now when I turn on my computer, it goes through a series of loading screens and finally to a lovely screen with a variety of icons. I just click and the program works. Oh how technology has evolved.

Then I read the essay Terminators: The Robots That Rodney Brooks and Hans Moravec Imagine will Succeed Humans, not Serve Them by Mark Dery. (Beedles, 123) There were many small robots Rodney Brooks has built and studied. The first was one about the size of a cockroach. It is Brooks’ hope that these small robots will help humans by repairing eye issues, assist in brain surgeries, or even paint a house. In my opinion, having such small machines could one day help with many dangerous situations like going over enemy lines to retrieve information. This could eliminate the need for troops in the Middle East. Then the robots are delivering information and not endangering solders. This could in effect save lives. (Having military officers come to the door and say “I am sorry your brother is dead.” is not something I want to experience in my lifetime.)