Could a computer serve as President of the United States? In the 1970 thriller “Colossus: The Forbin Project,” the nation put its weapon systems in the control of a supercomputer – only to have it link up with a Russian supercomputer and attempt to control all of mankind.
OK, so maybe it doesn’t work well in the movies. What about real life? Doesn’t a computer have qualities we desire in a leader? A huge vocabulary. A rational, historical world view. Analytical, intellectual decision-making capabilities and calm under pressure. An ability to absorb all the facts – not just the first five minutes of a briefing.
What would be the drawbacks? Maybe that a machine can never comprehend the emotional consequences of its actions. And it can’t make a gut decision if it hasn’t any. But aren’t those the decisions that most often get us into trouble?
I think it’s an interesting proposition. So does my iPad.
