Re: >H Eliza

[Jsn@concentric.net]

Transhuman Mailing List

 
Anders wrote:

> > I argued, partly but not complete tongue-in-cheek, in a post called
> > "Believable stupidity", that people are more like Eliza than they are like
> > logical information processors.
 
> Unfortunately I think you are (partially right). I have experienced
> times when I make slips that seem to be indexing errors in my lookup
> tables, saying "good morning" or "you're welcome" instead of another,
> context relevant, politeness phrase. Very revealing.
 
I think this is of less importance than it might seem.

We have the ability to run on verbal autopilot from time to time, but
no erquirement.  While I do find the ability useful when my parents
call me on the telephone, I have made what I think is a fairly
successful attempt to train that out of myself. 

One main result is that people think I'm rude because I often forget
to engage in the standard coffeepot talk in the morning-- I just go,
get my caffeine, and go back to my desk.

Another is that I actually listen to what people say.

-- 
John S. Novak, III           jsn@cris.com
The Humblest Man on the Net

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