Re: Thought experiment with robots and monkeys


jaberwocky wrote:
sorry about the sensational header, but its a serious question. A bit
off topic, but I'm impressed with the versatility of those who post
here.

Imagine a future, say 50 years from now, where robots can sufficiently
raise monkeys. (or children if you don't mind the ethics) So, we set
up an experiment to help tease out some nature/nurture variables.

Clone a couple monkeys (children) and set up very specific matching
nurseries for each of them. The cloning allows us to minimize the
nature variables.

Why clones?

Why not just use identical twins?


These monkeys are raised by robots using an
algorithm that is consistent and non-adaptive in order to provide
nearly equal formative environment. (This program would be optimized
by previous research) This program would minimize the variablility in
the nurture of each organism. Then: conduct experiments to measure
intelligence, problem solving, creativity, and even free will.

Measure free will? That's not only incoherent, it is contrary to the
fact that the experiment is designed to limit free will.


Would you expect the subjects of the experiment to perform the same?
Would miniscule chaotic effects risk throwing them out of sync? Anyone
have ideas about what kinds of tests would provide greatest insight
into the nature of our existence.

I believe the experiment would help reveal a third variable in the
nature/nurture debate: chaos. We we would have to establish a
baseline variability in subjects, and then see what happens with small
tweaks in subsequent studies.

(please try to avoid the obvious religious/political/ethical banter
with this one)


I can make a parallel with the evolution/creationism debate here:

You use 'chaos' in place of 'free will' as creationists use 'blind
chance' in place of 'natural selection'.

It is the same conceptual mistake, albeit subtly placed.

.