Can True AI Exist?
Artificial Intelligence is the idea of a man-made object having the capacity of human thought. There are separate parts to this idea. Some parts are being explored, some are being ignored.
The ideas that have advanced remarkably quickly are quantitative analysis, memory, and computation. In these cases, AI is already here. Computers, data storage, and calculators have been around and evolving for years. In the aspect of data gathering, manipulation, and transport, they have been in the forefront of the push towards artificial thought. Is this the limit of what we can build though?
The devices we currently use to push the boundaries of what we understand to be Artificial Intelligence are still based on a reactionary process programmed into the device. It gathers data, it acts on that data as it has been programmed to do. What we have accomplished is rather extraordinary, but again there are separate facets to intelligence and conscience.
One thing humans can do that still cannot be appropriately programmed is intuition. The ability to link ideas to memories, smells, visual input, or anything else our senses provide is a type of quantitative analysis, yet humans do it instinctually and if a program can do it, its all based on programming that reveals the true artificiality of the program. There is no instinctual leaps made by an artificial application.
The idea that humans can create a computer that could design another computer that is smarter than the original, in turn designing another of greater intelligence, and so forth should be a sobering thought. If you’ve watched the movies, you’ve seen the results. Or have you? Computer programs also lack another human tool, imagination.
Listening to an orchestra of seasoned musicians can be a nearly transcendent experience. Hearing the same piece played by a sophisticated computer, is still a beautiful piece of music, played to perfection. However, that piece seems less complete because something is missing. Creativity and imagination go hand-in-hand. A computer cannot truly achieve either.
Will True AI Exist?
What follows is opinion and conjecture, because no one can tell the future, not even AI.
The human mind can process thoughts, compute, imagine, conceive, dream, and a host of other things. It is truly a marvel in any sense. It is in that analysis, I think, that the truth comes out, that true AI can never exist. Programming is responses to interrogatives. The intellectual side of human thought is well adapted for AI. However, animal instincts and metaphysical conjecture are so far beyond, that it seems ludicrous to imagine AI ever getting there.
You’ve probably seem Terminator, The Matrix, iRobot, and many other AI doom cloud movies, or even read the thousands of more stories created by imaginative, non-AI brains. In what these stories present, the one thing true AI needs to achieve the futures described in those stories, is intent. This is another human quality that computers simply lack. They respond to stimuli. They do not have intent to do anything, unless they are programmed to do so. Even then, the intent is the programmer’s, not the device’s.
Is this saying that a future ruled by robots is out of the question? Maybe, but if technology takes control of the world, it will be the intent of the programmers that make it happen. For a computer to make the leap from completing programmed responses, to self-aware actions against those that programmed it is something that I don’t think is possible.
Is a computer self-aware? No. It responds to gathered data in a pre-ordained, programmed fashion, and at no time does it ever wonder, why it responds.
Should True AI Exist?
“One thing that is never talked about, is artificial wisdom.” -Bill Whittle
What is the intent of those trying to achieve Artificial Intelligence? Were it simply to create tools that allow humans to live their lives more efficiently, that would be great, but we’re already there.
In the examination of create a self-improving, self-engineering computer that advances itself past obsolescense, what is the intent of the programmers there? Is the intent just to create a tool that automatically improves itself and it’s processes, thereby making it even more beneficial for human use? If so, that tool would be a welcome addition to our lives, but it still wouldn’t be true AI.
If the intent of the programmers is to create beings with self-aware thoought processes and all the other amazing things humans can do, than it could be defined then that the programmers want to be God. That is what lies beneath everything within the idea of Artificial Intelligence. These extremely smart people want to be God, or at least God-like. The product of their work, therefore, is immaterial, for the flaw in their designs are within themselves, not their work.
The truest question in Artificial Intelligence is not, “Can we do it?”
The truest question is “Should we do it?”
Considering what human minds are capable of and where the AI groundbreakers are headed, I believe the answer to both those questions, is a simple, no.
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Three weeks ago, I apparently contracted something like the flu. Tested positive for COVID-19, which was interesting. None of it mattered though because whatever it was, it brought friends. Now I’m finally COVID free, but dealing with the tail end of pneumonia. Honestly, the COVID part wasn’t anything at all, but the bronchitis into pneumonia was tough. I’m on the mend now, finally back at work, money is important. Going to get back to writing soon too.
Well, work on Kinghunter is not exactly stalled, but the current in this river is so slow at the moment, you’d think there was no progress. However, work continues on a new thriller project partnering with Tony Ollivier. So far, we’ve found we work well together and this project has been a blast so far.
Secondly, even though the major plot remains the same, the story has changed a few times, so we’re working on keeping control of the ideas. It is really nice to be so flush with ideas when working a project. I’ll tell you more about it as it nears completion, but I can tell you this. This is planned for a three book series, but nothing will be released until all three books are done. At least, that’s the plan so far. As I’ve said, the plans in the story have changed a lot, so…you never know.
It’s been two years and I can’t be sure where the time went. Money for the homestead got way too tight and I lucked out and got another job with a friend that payed substantially better. Was just getting to the end of the contract, looking forward to going full-time as an employee…and the company fired everyone in the IT department, across the country.
So, back to job hunting. Dear wife says, “You should look for a job in Albuquerque, where I’m from!”
Applied for five opportunities in ABQ and ten in San Antonio…guess who responded.
So, getting settled in Albuquerque. Already found the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Found turkey eggs and OMG…Elk medallions. Snapped them up and cooked them up for dinner. YUM!
On the writing front, working on Kinghunter, Book IV of the Magehunter Saga and I’ve also entered into a partnership with a fellow author to produce a thriller series. Stay tuned.
Try this on for size…..
Chapter One
Lila
I’m sitting in my office, slinging playing cards across the room into a hat I haven’t worn for a little over two years. I think the style of it is wrong, or perhaps I don’t really like the color. When the demon walks into my office, the only thing that disturbs me is that she blocks my only accurate attempt of the morning.
The card bounces off her bare midriff and flutters to the ground, amidst about two other decks worth of failed attempts. Perhaps I don’t like the hat because it doesn’t catch playing cards worth a damn.
I look up at her, which would be a mistake if I were human. She is flat gorgeous, with every luscious curve and delicious line perfectly displayed, though only barely covered. Even demons can have a rudimentary knowledge of modesty, mostly because it’s easier to move about in the world of humans if you obey their social laws.
“Am I disturbing you?” She purrs. “This is a detective agency, right?”
I grin. “Fallen Angel Detective Agency, at your service.”
Her returned demure smile is another attempt to lure lustful thoughts. I’m not immune it at all, just in much more control than the normal human. I mean, I am a Fallen Angel, so yes, baser instincts are things I deal with, but she’s forgetting that once an angel, pretty much always an angel.
She kept trying. “And you are?”
I decide politeness might be the right approach. With two decks of cards on the floor and nothing in the hat, the morning was really slow. “Raphael.”
I extend my hand and she backs away a half step.
The purr is gone from her voice, replaced by fear. “The Raphael?”
I grimace. “Not that one.”
I really need to change my name. “Just call me Rafe. How can I help you?”
She ignores my hand and I pull it back before the situation becomes awkward, or at least more awkward than it already is. She studies me for a few more seconds, I assume to allow the awkwardness to fully settle in like dye in a tattoo.
Finally, she sits, which is a treat to see, watching all those barely covered limbs stretch and bunch in such perfect unison. No, seriously, I’m immune to her charms and she’s not really trying anymore since the name mistake. Like I said, fallen, so yeah, I might be a bit of a lech.
“You can call me Lila. I need help with my boyfriend.”
An iron door slams down on my lecherous thoughts. I should’ve known. “You demons aren’t actually known for your loyalties, especially in relationships.”
Lila pouts. “I expected judgement, but is that really necessary?”
“I’m not denying you your feelings, or judging you at all Lila. I’m spouting facts on your race. Can you name three demons that have stuck by their loyalties?”
Her pout continues in all its cuteness. “I care about Zyzx. Judge demons as you will angel, but I care about him.”
Okay, that stings a little. “I’m not an angel. I’ve fallen from grace, so I don’t carry the hammering judgement my kind normally does.”
Lila’s pout turns to triumphant smile, gorgeous. “So I shouldn’t judge you by what you are, but rather who you are?”
Touche.
I start again. “My apologies. How can Fallen Angel help you with your boyfriend?”
Lila’s pout comes back. “I think he’s cheating on me.”
Irony, thy name is Lila. “Why do you think this?”
She waves her hand around with a disgusted look. “The usual reasons. He stays out with his friends all the time and makes excuses for why he can’t spend time with me.”
I get up and cross to the window. The view from the Catholic Life building is nice. Yes, I know, irony is everywhere. San Antonio is a beautiful city and its where I call home at the moment. Humans have always amazed me, and I think they always will.
“Anything else?”
Lila joins me at the window, gazing out the pane, but I don’t think she sees anything in particular. “I can give you the name of the bar he hangs at.”
I look at her, actually sympathetically. “I’ll look into it, but I’m not going to make any promises. This isn’t a lot to look into.”
Lila sighs and opens her purse. “I know and I’ll thank you ahead of time. Look, I know he’s a demon and that means he’s going to do what demons do, but I want to know anyway. Is that so bad?”
I’m not sure my lopsided grin sends the right message. “As long as you’re prepared for the disappointment.”
She pulls out a wad of cash, and by wad, I mean a roll and the bill on the outside is a Franklin. She places a finger over my lips to hush my coming protest. “I know it’s more than you charge but consider it an extra fee for time sensitive work.”
She tosses the roll over her shoulder and it sails across the office to land in the hat that has no playing cards in it, which I prefer the money anyway. Without another word, Lila leaves me, her hips swaying in perfect time. Demon girls shouldn’t be allowed to wear high heels, and not just because they make capable weapons in a pinch.
No sooner than she walks out, my associates walk in. Cassandra, all four foot eleven of her and Marco Espinoza. His gaze is locked on the last remaining visible trace of Lila. I swear he licks his lips. Humans, so easily glamored.
I say, “Hey Pix, Marco. We’ve got a case.”
I call her Pixie because of the short cropped blond hair. She’s my right hand, most of the left, and if I had a center hand, some of that too. She works with computers, billing and even though I am an angel, she’s happy to put me in my place if necessary.
Marco is big and angry a lot, but if anyone, or anything gets near Pix, they’re going to get a face full of Marco. I don’t really wish that on anyone. He won a Golden Gloves trophy and immediately determined that gloves were for idiots, real men believe in knuckles.
Pixie smiles at me and glances at the hat, obviously spying the roll of hundreds. Her smile gets bigger. “Raise your rates?”
“Nope, we are currently employed by an overly generous demon.”
Marco grunts. “Hmph, demons can’t be generous.”
“Maybe not, but this one gave me a lot of money to look into something. Pix, take that down to the bank if you’d be so kind. I’m going to a bar.”
Marco’s gaze perks up a bit. One of the few things that catches his attention besides Pix, is a stiff drink. “Part of the case Marco. Can you start a record? Her name is Lila.”
“You believe that?”
I grin. “Not in the least, but I believe the money.”
Pixie nudges Marco. “C’mon big guy, let’s go get this deposited and then we’ll go to Sonic for a huge soda. We’ll create the case file when we get back.”
God, I love that girl.
Priesthunter is done and awaiting entry into the editing process for release, sometime in 2019. Roguehunter is nearly done, Book II in the series. Plotting for Kinghunter and Godhunter continues, along with continued addition to my Sci-Fi work, Aftermath.
With the Holidays over and the New Year well underway, it’s time to get busy again, though I have a lot of family stuff this year, with two graduating seniors this summer. So, off I go!
I was flipping around Netflix with the wife and found this little gem. Actually, it’s new, so it was plastered all over the screen.
I’m a huge fan of Dexter, though I don’t normally go for the anti-hero character. Now I’ll have to add Joseph Goldberg to the list of the anti-heroes I like. He narrates his own story, much like Dexter, but that’s where all similarity ends. He’s not, in essence a serial killer, driven by deep-seated mental breaks from a horrible incident in his past. No Joe just loves a girl and will do anything for her…I mean ANYTHING.
This character is very complex, but shows simplicity too. I find the story well-written to the fact that a simple principle can be violated by every day activities and social pressure at nearly any time. The main character’s principles are clearly shown, yet his actions lead him to bending them, to outright breaking them on several occasions. However, later scenes show his basic humanity and principles remain unchanged in the big picture, though they may have undergone drastic change in other, more specific areas.
The boy Paco is another excellent character, showing a wide range of disruptive change in his character over the course of the ten show season.
An altogether outstanding show from Netflix. I recommend it.
I’ve always been a Rocky fan, so I had to see this movie. I was in no way disappointed either. There are a lot of movie franchises that remain successful, following a formula for all their separate works. You’ve seen my nearly constant praise for Marvel’s movies. This formulaic process includes the Harry Potter franchise and too many others to count.
Creed II follows the same Rocky formula, specifically, Rocky III. Rocky lost his fight in that movie, because he didn’t want it enough, didn’t know what he was fighting for. In this picture, Adonis Creed, fresh off his title win, gets a match with the same results. He gets crushed, though the result of the fight is a disqualification. Adonis retains his belt. His awful performance and beat down can be attributed to his lack of focus, exactly like Rocky III.
Speaking of Rocky, Sylvester Stallone reprises his famous role as mentor and father figure to Adonis. All the old mannerisms and movements return. This is a lifetime role for Stallone and he delivered an outstanding performance.
After his successes in the ring, and subsequent failures, Rocky lives alone in Philly. He owns a bar. He is in Adonis’ corner for the title fight that Adonis wins, but is dead set against the fight against Drago. He refuses to manage Adonis for the fight and the kid gets pummeled. The older Drago, from Rocky IV is the young Drago’s father and trainer.
Once Adonis heals, Rocky is eventually persuaded to manage Adonis for the rematch, using unusual methods to train, as in the original Rocky.
Viktor Drago, son of Ivan Drago, is the opponent facing Adonis Creed. He’s a monster of a man, almost a machine of destruction. He obliterates his opponents with ruthless efficiency. However, during the course of the film, there are reasons for his demeanor that become stark. Abandonment by his mother (Bridgett Nielson) left him to a father that was solely focused on eventually getting revenge on Rocky for the defeat in Rocky IV. Fractures in his relationship with his father eventually come out, but was not explored completely, which is a shame.
Ivan Drago is a bitter man, losing everything he values after his defeat by Rocky. The tie in, of course, is that Ivan Drago killed Apollo Creed in the boxing ring before eventually being defeated by Rocky. Now, his son Viktor is being groomed to defeat Adonis and exact revenge. His relationship with his son is strained and the portions of the movie around his son’s mother show exactly how bitter he is.
This movie was just a lot of fun to watch. The story was not so much compelling as it was comforting. With a Rocky movie, you know what you’re going to get. When it delivers, you feel great. When Adonis begins training for the rematch with Viktor, strains of the Rocky theme music come out and the effect is perfect.
Adonis was a good character, but a little wooden. He was very stereotyped, though in a Rocky movie way…it worked. The interplay between him and his wife was beautifully done and the one portion of the movie with Adonis and his newborn was even better.
Viktor could have been a better character, but the movie did not delve deep enough into his story. His character served a purpose. The performance was good though, and the physical intimidation on screen was obvious.
Ivan Drago was almost tragic. Dolph Lundgren really delivered a fine performance, from the opening salvo to Rocky, through his son’s eventual defeat in the ring. The change in his character right at the end of the movie, once he realizes what is truly important, is good. I think it could have been done a little better, but the movie really wasn’t about him.
Sylvestor Stallone gave a tremendous performance as the aging Rocky Balboa. The speech patterns, mannerisms, and movements were everything we remember from every previous Rocky movie. It was like seeing a time capsule playing out on the screen. In fact, several times during the movie and through the end credits, you get to see images from previous Rocky movies. The plot tying Adonis Creed, to Rocky, to the Drago’s was well thought out and not overplayed.
Personally, I would have liked a little more development of the flaws in Viktor’s character, but overall, I love this movie. Of course, now I have to find a way to see the first one. I missed Creed, but in this case, Creed II really stands on its own, much like the Rocky movies. I hope Stallone finds it in his creative mind somewhere to dish out a Creed III, because I think it would be worth it.
My novel is rising in Amazon rankings.
October 10, 2018!
Available on Amazon for pre-order.
JA Messick 