Well, that's a tricky call there. I think perhaps they do but
utilizing a simplified subset of human brain power. We're at a
higher level and can comprehend it. A higher level being could
theoretically see humanity as programmed computers working
systematically and predictably as well. Some theories of
mind/theories of society say precisely that. I don't necessarily
agree with either idea that I just stated tongue emoticon But
what is "thinking for yourself" entail? The ability to say "no"?
When a computer does not do what we expect it to do, it is, in
effect, saying "no". How different is what we do? Does the CPU
know what's happening within the memory registers? It does not.
Does the sound card know what the video card is doing? It does
not. Do you know what I'm thinking? Probably not. Do the
components of a computer have a rudimentary awareness of their
function and how they operate within the system as a whole? Do
we? All silly questions I suppose. But if at some point in the
far future, a computer says, "My great-great-great-grandpa told
me a story about the OS he was saddled with called Windows XP
and described just how HORRIBLE it was on his systems"... I
wouldn't be entirely shocked. tongue emoticon === But generally,
I prefer to believe they don't think for themselves. It's
speciesist of me to say so, so no offense to our digital
brethren but I tend to think they don't.
