Comments on: The Logical Fallacy of Generalization from Fictional Evidence http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/ The Singularity Institute exists to confront the challenge of powerful AI, both the opportunity and the risk. Tue, 13 May 2008 13:25:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Michael Gusek http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-14795 Michael Gusek Tue, 20 Nov 2007 02:03:48 +0000 http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-14795 Thanks, Eliezer. I find myself, however, often using this fallacy as a tool to help others understand advanced AI and Singularity concepts. I do feel that there are specific instances of technology which can be explained by our fiction (i.e. Brain-computer interfaces and a coded environment), while sometimes this fiction can inspire us to create. Thanks, Eliezer.

I find myself, however, often using this fallacy as a tool to help others understand advanced AI and Singularity concepts.

I do feel that there are specific instances of technology which can be explained by our fiction (i.e. Brain-computer interfaces and a coded environment), while sometimes this fiction can inspire us to create.

]]> By: Nato Welch http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-14800 Nato Welch Tue, 20 Nov 2007 02:21:39 +0000 http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-14800 How hard, then, should we try to ignore the fact that advanced AI is fictional, at present? When does speculation not count as fiction? How hard, then, should we try to ignore the fact that advanced AI is fictional, at present?

When does speculation not count as fiction?

]]> By: Joseph Hunkins http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-15200 Joseph Hunkins Wed, 21 Nov 2007 02:16:08 +0000 http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-15200 "I try to avoid the logical fallacy of generalizing from fictional evidence" Ouch. That's sure to get them on board, and get you a date with the friend as well .. if she's Asimo the robot. This issue raises a concern we should have with the way the AI community is now handling public relations. I'd suggest a much softer approach. To counter the silly concerns of even smart people that AI poses more of a threat than a benefit, I think it's important to help people understand they have a a very intimate relationship with many technologies right now. Medicines, computers, spectacles, internet, phones, transport, etc,etc. The coming technologies are best examined as part of a long history of progress. “I try to avoid the logical fallacy of generalizing from fictional evidence”

Ouch. That’s sure to get them on board, and get you a date with the friend as well .. if she’s Asimo the robot. This issue raises a concern we should have with the way the AI community is now handling public relations. I’d suggest a much softer approach. To counter the silly concerns of even smart people that AI poses more of a threat than a benefit, I think it’s important to help people understand they have a a very intimate relationship with many technologies right now. Medicines, computers, spectacles, internet, phones, transport, etc,etc. The coming technologies are best examined as part of a long history of progress.

]]> By: Nick Tarleton http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-15214 Nick Tarleton Wed, 21 Nov 2007 04:35:52 +0000 http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-15214 <i>How hard, then, should we try to ignore the fact that advanced AI is fictional, at present?</i> We shouldn't. I doubt that anyone is. It is possible to discuss things that do not yet exist. <i>When does speculation not count as fiction?</i> When it's designed to be good realistic speculation, not a good story. I would think. How hard, then, should we try to ignore the fact that advanced AI is fictional, at present?

We shouldn’t. I doubt that anyone is. It is possible to discuss things that do not yet exist.

When does speculation not count as fiction?

When it’s designed to be good realistic speculation, not a good story. I would think.

]]> By: Warren Bonesteel http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-15326 Warren Bonesteel Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:05:50 +0000 http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-15326 Speculation based upon known facts and evidence can be an important part of the discovery process; opening up new paths of research. The problem arises when we accept our own speculations - or those of others - as fact. Speculation based upon known facts and evidence can be an important part of the discovery process; opening up new paths of research.

The problem arises when we accept our own speculations - or those of others - as fact.

]]> By: Jeremy P. Brody http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-16039 Jeremy P. Brody Sat, 24 Nov 2007 21:00:45 +0000 http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-16039 Well said, Eliezer. Could you add a few words on the appropriate role of fiction? You have said that it can inspire. More detail? Well said, Eliezer. Could you add a few words on the appropriate role of fiction? You have said that it can inspire. More detail?

]]> By: Robert Winter http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-41688 Robert Winter Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:28:30 +0000 http://www.singinst.org/blog/2007/11/19/the-logical-fallacy-of-generalization-from-fictional-evidence/#comment-41688 Take a look at my Artificial Intelligence Blog http://turingtest-boutiquerake.blogspot.com/ Take a look at my Artificial Intelligence Blog

http://turingtest-boutiquerake.blogspot.com/

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