Virus is a biorobot - there is certain command set in its DNA: find certain place on host DNA, cut it, incert part of you own DNA in it. The rest is just chemistry (well, actually ALL is just chemistry).

As the complexity of software (DNA), and of resulting hardware (body) grows, the system gets processing power, memory, various sensors, and many feedbacks which start form LEARNING DATABASE (trial-and-error learning and using DNA database which we call instincts).

Complex learning databases are very flexible and adaptable. By the way, DEEP BLUE is one of them. It not only memorozes opponent's moves, but learns from them. Deep Blue was able to beat casparov because it learned and adapted to Casparov's technique to dramatically change strategy in the middle of the game. (That is why more "rigid" programs had difficulty with him).

So, I do not think that you (Harvey) can say that Deep Blue does not know or does not understand chess. Of course, it does - it may analyse any combination of figures on the board and predict not only the best next move, but the best tactic and strategy in the situation - and better than any human.

Understanding is knowledge and ability to correctly predict. All this is well within Deep Blue competence.

• Understanding? - harvey1 - December 13, 2001 - 23:58 UTC
  • Simple system - less understanding. Complex-more. - alexander - December 14, 2001 - 02:07 UTC
  • Understanding = knowledge + correct prediction. - alexander - December 14, 2001 - 02:15 UTC
    • Ask yourself - harvey1 - December 14, 2001 - 02:46 UTC
      • harvey, how hard do you think add emotions to Deep Blue? - alexander - December 14, 2001 - 03:21 UTC
      • You are simply not logical! - doctordick - December 14, 2001 - 14:48 UTC
        • Not true - harvey1 - December 14, 2001 - 16:04 UTC
        • Yeah, Harv can think and computers can't...yet? - carefuluniverse - December 15, 2001 - 07:24 UTC
          • Informal operations deserve more doubt,, & a little "slack" too - carefuluniverse - December 16, 2001 - 08:02 UTC
    • What are we talking? - harvey1 - December 14, 2001 - 04:32 UTC
      • This is just more out and out logical garbage! - doctordick - December 14, 2001 - 15:37 UTC
        • Testy testy - harvey1 - December 14, 2001 - 17:04 UTC
        • Programmers are people too - aurino - December 14, 2001 - 17:32 UTC
          • I don't see your comments as letting me down! - doctordick - December 14, 2001 - 19:24 UTC
            • LOL - harvey1 - December 14, 2001 - 19:28 UTC
              • It's not what you say, Harv - aurino - December 14, 2001 - 20:12 UTC
                • I don't get it - harvey1 - December 14, 2001 - 20:33 UTC
                  • I am going to have to agree with alex. - bladesinger - December 15, 2001 - 03:06 UTC
                    • It all boils down to the old soul argument, I think - stormcrow - December 15, 2001 - 04:56 UTC
                      • Yup NT - bladesinger - December 15, 2001 - 07:37 UTC
                      • There is truth. - phillipmartin - December 19, 2001 - 19:42 UTC
                    • I'm guessing we can - harvey1 - December 15, 2001 - 12:58 UTC
                      • What about... - bladesinger - December 16, 2001 - 05:43 UTC
                    • life at the virus level is more complex than human dogma - carefuluniverse - December 16, 2001 - 01:32 UTC