(Tangaza University College/Jnanodaya Salesian College, 1994) Sahaya, Selvam
Whether the common man is aware or
not, computers have invaded every section
,of public service today. While the
computer-specialist is too busy to keep
himself up to date, and the user is too excited
with the results that the computers produce,
' the philosopher cannot just take this
"wonder-machine", for granted. The
( computer arouses in the philosopher a
I number of questions - philosophical and
-^ethical. Could computers become superior
to man? Could the activity of the computer
be called "thinking"? What would be the
basic difference between an advanced
computer (Artificial intelligence - AI) and
man? Would AI acquire personhood?
Would the AI be capable of qualities of the
spirit - emotions, love, compassion; and
above all, would it acquire
self-consciousness? Could there be a limit to
technological progress itself? In other
words, when should man say, "this is the last
piece of our Invention"? And a myriad of
similar questions.