The Debate Over Artificial Intelligence Essay -- Exploratory Essays Re

The Debate Over Artificial Intelligence    Can machines think? Or rather, can we develop true artificial intelligence in the sense of machines that think and understand as we humans do? This is an interesting problem that is becoming more and more relevant in our lives as computers become more complex and integral to our lives. Two articles, John Searle's "Minds, Brains, and Programs" and William Lycan's "Robots and Minds", present two different answers to this question and also raise several new questions. John Searle takes the position that on one level computers do think - they manipulate symbols - yet on another level they do not think - computers do not understand the symbols they are manipulating to mean anything in the sense that we humans do. Lycan takes the position that yes, computers do think, and that it is quite possibly only a matter of time before a machine can be created that not only looks and behaves like a person, but also thinks like a person. Therefore, Lycan claims, the suitably programmed machine of thi s complexity is a person as much as you and I are. I fall more on Lycan's side of the argument. Words such as "intelligence" and "understanding" have variations in their definitions depending on whom you ask. It is often hard to come up with even a simple definition once one delves into the problems at hand. But, since we as humans (in particular Searle) often try to separate ourselves from computers by saying that we understand the meaning of the symbols we manipulate, it is necessary that I give a useful and accurate meaning to the words (or symbols) I will be using. I define "thinking" as processing information, with any level of complexity. I include in the thinking category a thermostat makin... ...a human who's body is almost entirely mechanical) are people? If we cannot distinguish their minds from regular humans', then we have no basis for denying that they have the same basic rights. As for the second question, that is much tougher, and he makes the analogy to animal rights, for even now computers exhibit intelligence that is roughly equal to many animals. However, since I have proved my main point, and run over my page limit, I will now bow out. The area of animal rights is still hotly debated, and we still often disagree on many aspects of human rights. These areas are the subject of many papers, articles, news stories, even organizations. Maybe, if only to prevent a repeat of our confusion morally over our sudden ability to clone complex biological organisms, we should start looking now at the issue of "computer rights". It still sounds strange to me.   

Coping Stressess in Problem-Focused Method

CLASS DISCUSSION It may seem that there’s nothing you can do about stress. But you always have more control than you might think. Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. For example, in dealing with an exam as a stressor, different people will have a range of different coping responses.Problem-focused strategy has three steps-taking control, information seeking and evaluating the pros and cons. Comparing with the emotional-focused strategy, as a manger, I would personally prefer using the problem-focused strategy in coping with stress, since it can high effectively removes the stressor, and deals with the root cause of the specific problem. This way, it will provide a long-term solution.In contrast, emotional-focused stragety means the reduction of negative emotional responses associated with stresses, for example embarrassment and anxiety, is less effective than using a problem-focused strategy. Reasons are emotional-focused strategy are more focused on emotions, rather than the actual root cause of the problem therefore it cannot provide long-term solution.As a manager, I would ensure my employees are using the problem-focused strategy in the following way-figure out what is the root cause of the problem, and try to motivate employees to change the relationship between themselves and stressor, for example, escaping from the stress or removing the stress; Secondly, I will make sure if my employees really understand the situation for example using the internet, and help them solving the problem, so that to avoid having the same problem in the future.Finally, I will let my employees to analyze and evaluate the pros and cons of the problem and figure out different options in dealing with the stressor.

Compare Aeneas and Odysseus in Their Role As Leaders And...

Compare Aeneas and Odysseus in Their Role As Leaders And Prospective Heros? Virgils Aeneid and Homers Odyssey are two very different stories, told from opposing viewpoints: that of the Trojans in The Aeneid, and of the Greeks in The Odyssey. The two leaders, Aeneas and Odysseus, that feature are therefore very different in their approach to leadership. However, despite their differences they both rise to the challenges set to them as true leaders. In each work, the first time the great leaders feature, the first impression given of each is hardly one of a strong leader and future hero. When we first meet the Greek hero, Odysseus, he is sitting on a rock despairing on the island of Ogygia, where the demi-goddess†¦show more content†¦This gives us the impression he was perhaps not such a caring leader as Aeneas. It is not that he appears a selfish leader in the flash backs, but we must remember that Odysseus himself is telling the stories and may well have enhanced his own greatness. A clear example of him putting his own safety before his mens is when they reach Circes island and he sends one of his men to check the island for any possible hostilities. Aeneas and Odysseuss aims in the works are similar in the sense both men wish to reach their homeland. However, Aeneas is not trying to reach Troy but a found a new homeland for his race, which makes his journey appear much more of a challenge. However, we learn from Odysseus account that his journey has been far from easy. He has faced many fearful creatures and challenges, and been detained in Ogygia for eight years before finally being allowed to reach home. In his encounter with the Cyclops, he is shown to be a very shrewd, cunning leader. He manages to contract a plan to escape from the Cyclops cave before any more of his rapidly deteriorating army are eaten. He is clearly very passionate for success and kleos, which was a typical Greek characteristic. It is no doubt that his respect for