LAL Live Part 2: From Happy the Elephant to Artificial Intelligence (NPS June 15)

Norm opens the second segment inviting a discussion of whether computers have minds, and the distinctions between narrow intelligence, general intelligence, and super intelligence within the context of artificial intelligence.  However, W. Michael Boyer—producer of LAL and weekly call-in guest to the NPS—simply cannot contain himself and calls in to keep the conversation going about Happy the Elephant. We finally get him kicked off so Norm might continue the discussion of artificial intelligence in earnest.  Michael does point out, however, for Norm's consideration the strange failure of the law to acknowledge the in-between space between basic chattel/personal property value and that of human life. That is, humans have extremely deep bonds with their pets and tend to make irrational economic decisions with respect to medical care. Is there room in the law for this? It is a surprisingly big question.  Norm shares a deeply moving story of one of his pet's passing.  Then, he takes a call from someone who wants to talk about the Federal Reserve. Yes, it was a non-sequitor.  Norm finally draws out what is inside of us when we contemplate the intermediate position pets occupy and discusses critically the notion that machines might ever be able to do what humans do. By that, Norm does not mean simply mimic or predict behavior. Will computers ever have a sense of wonder? Will computers ever sincerely mourn the loss of an intermediate soul, like a pet?  Like, share, and subscribe. Norm is live every weekday from 12pm ET to 2pm ET on WICC 600AM/107.3FM. Stream Norm live at https://www.wicc600.com/. Follow @PattisPodcast on Twitter.