Moravec’s Paradox

Moravec’s paradox is the observation that some tasks that are easy for humans are very difficult for AI systems to replicate, while some tasks that are challenging for humans are relatively easy for AI.  We also call this the “easy-hard problem for...

Reasonable Decisions and AI

Better safe than sorry. But… The smoke detector shouldn’t go off because we burned dinner.The car shouldn’t automatically stop in the middle of the road because of a pedestrian on the shoulder.The security system shouldn’t call the Police if the dog...

But Does it Make a Difference?

Does it make a difference if you blow the red light when nobody is around?Would it have made a difference if the US boycotted the 1936 Berlin Olympics?Will it make a difference if I have another beer?Does it make a difference if we contract out this piece?Would it...

The Pinocchio Problem and AI

Pinocchio says, “My nose will grow now.” But Pinocchio’s nose only grows if he’s lying. Therefore, if his nose grows, he’s lying. Conversely, if it doesn’t, he was lying, thus making the statement true again. The AI...

The Class Action Incentive Problem

I just signed up as a claimant in (yet another) class action lawsuit. This one is against Visa and MasterCard. “The deadline for the Visa/Mastercard $5.54 billion settlement claim is approaching quickly…This settlement provides all eligible businesses the...

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