Got Physics?

Computer Programing

      Computer programing is a list of instructions or procedures for the computer to follow. The source code is the instructions that are designed to make computer work, written in another language for the computer to read. These languages are all different types of complex algorithms, words, images, sounds and more. The combination of these things are what designs a program. Basically Computer programing is the process of us teaching the machine to do something. Two big programing languages are Logo and Java. What our computer is showing us is really just an illusion. The pictures or videos, we’re seeing are actually ALOT of bits of pieces patterned around, created by computer programing. A surprising fact that I learned was that the first programer was Ada Lovelace. She was an English mathematician and writer who created software for the Analytical Engine. The Analytical Engine was an early model for a computer in which Ada’s notes for it were algorithms tailored for each action of the machine, similar to a computer program. The Analytical Engine was never actually created but it still sparked questions for this type of technology. Computer programing is still developing and giving us the chance to enhance computers and technologies.

Technological Singularity: Science Fiction or Reality?

Imagine your computer, or smart phone taking over the world, and being able to control humans. Author and mathematician, Vernor Vinge in 1993 wrote, The Coming Technological Singularity with the belief that in, "30 years, we will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after, the human era will be ended.” You may be reading this thinking, “What, no way that’s crazy, what’s this Vinge guy eating for breakfast?” While it sounds like another Hollywood sci-fi movie, but, based on the spike in technology in the world that could be an accurate forecast for the future.

Till this day the question, “could machines replace humans as the dominant force on Earth?” has been brought up and discussed. Each year we progress technologically in the world, and each year this question becomes a bigger concern. In class Friday, we watched a video about the Amazon Echo . This new device is like an extra family member in your house, the machine is a small cylinder that answers to the name you call it. It can manage your schedule, tell you information, or keep your grocery list. The Echo's brain stores your commands so it’s constantly adapting and learning your voice, vocabulary, and preferences. The Echo machine reminded me of one of my favorite movie’s, 2001 A Space Odyssey. In the movie the computer HAL, ends up with a mind of its own, and kills the whole crew. HAL’s programing was able to surpass the human intelligence on the ship and he took over their mission. In the end though, you learn that the reason for HAL’s miss behavior was because his inability to adjust and compromise. The Government programed HAL with specific orders, and when the crew members decided to alter the orders HAL didn’t allow them to.

Some may argue that technological singularity is already going on now. The fact that most of your technology is recording and memorizing everything you’re doing proves that it has the ability to make you addicted. I can say for myself that I can barely go one hour without checking my phone or use my laptop, this is the scary truth that many people face. We have become dependent on machines to do work for us. However, technology has to be controlled by us, and activated by our command. For example, My computer (I believe) doesn’t have the capability to turn its self on, or make any decisions other than the ones we give it to do. Because of this, we haven’t fully reached the era of technological singularity. Yet, it’s still a scary thought that the only thing that separates us from computers, phones, and machines is our fact to be able to think for ourselves and feel emotion. Other than that technology is becoming smarter and more addictive to humans. One example where computers proved to be smarter than humans was in 1997 where world famous chess player Garry Kasparov played against Deep Blue, a computer. After 6 matches the computer was able to anticipate and study the way Garry played. In 2011, there was a Jeopardy game played against a computer, the computer defeated the other players. These two loses are signs that computers are smarter than humans because of their capability to memorize more information that the human brain can. There’s a catch to this though, computers only can answer and respond, as of now they can’t ask questions, and purse goals. Humans are the dominant  force in the world, because we are the creators and controllers.

Amazon Echo

HAL

Jeopardy Game