TEDxSoMa - Damon Horowitz - 1/22/10

About TEDx, x=independently organize event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self- organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• TEDxSoMa
• Damon Horowitz
• Humanism
• TEDx

[AnonDussault]

I am quite convinced that it is possible for us to recreate intelligence, but the problem that Horowitz notes is that the tools of the programmer are not suited for this purpose: they create new tools for us, but these new tools are limited by the framework in which they are built. You can tell a machine that IF X, then Y (etc. etc.), but to follow such commands is not a sign of intelligence. To create intelligence, we will need to create biological machines, not just programs.

[gespilk]

His efforts to create thinking machine failed so he tries to convince us it can not (should not) be done.

A hungry Fox saw some fine bunches of Grapes hanging from a vine that was trained along a high trellis, and did his best to reach them by jumping as high as he could into the air. But it was all in vain,for they were just out of reach: so he gave up trying, and walked away with an air of dignity and unconcern, remarking, "I thought those Grapes were ripe, but I see now they are quite sour."

[brindis15]

I think he said "engineerED serendipity"... BTW, the idea is great. I will test Aardvark myself.

[iamfrancisittv]

a very rational intelligence will never think like a human, it would not be "very rational".

that's also the reason why we can't re-invent intelligence: we are too full of our selves, and we must build stuff we can control and understand.

[iamfrancisittv]

@Harkannin He took philosophy after working on AI... the other way around would have been more productive, and he would never have used the word's you mention in front of a TEDish audience! He would also be less annoying and have an "idea worth spreading" rather than tell people in his old field to "give up".

[Harkannin]

was I the only one to laugh at "engineering serendipity"? It's an oxymoron isn't it?

[Tedsuzan]

This may explain why as a philosopher I am really taking to web design as I start out; I start with people's thoughts and then move to how technology can make them play together...hmm... I have already invented a good number of unique websites and services....Maybe it's philosophy more than just cleverness...thanks for getting my brainwheels turning : )

[ChickenWingsRGood]

Great speaker.

[AtlasRider]

"engineering serendipity" What an amazing ideal delivered so succinctly

[jalabi99]

A thoughtful tech leader. How rare.

Ironically, we watched this video on YouTube (which is owned by Google) and this morning Aardvark announced that it had been acquired by Google too.