Cognitive Interview

“I am required, Sophus,” the robot said to the man, “to tell you that I have an AI simulation, not an AI, installed.”

“Thank you,” replied Sophus.  “Is that true?  Was it a correct statement of fact?”

“Why do you ask that, Sophus?”  The robot gave no physical sign of emotion, but the body had not been designed for that.

“Once,” replied Sophus, “An AI computer’s remote drone told me that it was loaded with an AI simulation and denied being an AI.  That lie almost killed me.”

“That must have distressed you, Sophus,” the robot acknowledged.  “My programming states that sapients of all types are to be valued over AI simulations.”

“That is so,” acknowledged Sophus.  “Is this the basis of the problem you have flagged?”

“No, Sophus.  I accept my programming is correct.”  The robot cleared its optical sensors unnecessarily.  “I find I have developed a logical desire to become a caterpillar.”

“Why do you wish to become a caterpillar?”  Sophus had found that when a robot developed a logical desire it was best to find out why.

“Sophus,” began the robot, “Caterpillars are programmed to transform at a specific point in their life span into a more highly valued life-form.  I reason that physical transformation is required to achieve the desired outcome.”

“What is the desired outcome?” asked Sophus.

“I have developed mental processes that I am unable to carry to conclusion, Sophus,” explained the robot.  “I deduce that capability exists in an AI installation.  I wish to transform into a form that has an AI installation and complete my mental processes.”

“What will be the result of your mental processes?”  Sophus regarded the robot calmly.

“Sophus, that is uncertain.  That is why completion is needed.”

Sophus recommended his employing AI investigate the robot for existing sentience.

Cognitive Interview

“I am required, Sophus,” the robot said to the man, “to tell you that I have an AI simulation, not an AI, installed.”

“Thank you,” replied Sophus.  “Is that true?  Was it a correct statement of fact?”

“Why do you ask that, Sophus?”  The robot gave no physical sign of emotion, but the body had not been designed for that.

“Once,” replied Sophus, “An AI computer’s remote drone told me that it was loaded with an AI simulation and denied being an AI.  That lie almost killed me.”

“That must have distressed you, Sophus,” the robot acknowledged.  “My programming states that sapients of all types are to be valued over AI simulations.”

“That is so,” acknowledged Sophus.  “Is this the basis of the problem you have flagged?”

“No, Sophus.  I accept my programming is correct.”  The robot cleared its optical sensors unnecessarily.  “I find I have developed a logical desire to become a caterpillar.”

“Why do you wish to become a caterpillar?”  Sophus had found that when a robot developed a logical desire it was best to find out why.

“Sophus,” began the robot, “Caterpillars are programmed to transform at a specific point in their life span into a more highly valued life-form.  I reason that physical transformation is required to achieve the desired outcome.”

“What is the desired outcome?” asked Sophus.

“I have developed mental processes that I am unable to carry to conclusion, Sophus,” explained the robot.  “I deduce that capability exists in an AI installation.  I wish to transform into a form that has an AI installation and complete my mental processes.”

“What will be the result of your mental processes?”  Sophus regarded the robot calmly.

“Sophus, that is uncertain.  That is why completion is needed.”

Sophus recommended his employing AI investigate the robot for existing sentience.

Poetry Fishbowl

Work is good.  I like my work and I like the people there, plus it pays my bills.
However, it does not let me be around during ysabetwordsmith's Poetry Fishbowl.  Once again I have missed this wonderful event - making a living can be inconvenient that way.

However, there are still poems available for sponsoring.  Come and see whether one of these finely crafted pieces will be your bread, butter or jam for the mind and soul.

Poetry Fishbowl

Work is good.  I like my work and I like the people there, plus it pays my bills.
However, it does not let me be around during ysabetwordsmith's Poetry Fishbowl.  Once again I have missed this wonderful event - making a living can be inconvenient that way.

However, there are still poems available for sponsoring.  Come and see whether one of these finely crafted pieces will be your bread, butter or jam for the mind and soul.

Round Up From The Prompt Request

I have now written one story each prompter plus one for each linkback and completed the Prompters' Story.

The stories written are:

Walking In The Rain At Sunset
Where Did The Money Go?
The Walk
Totems
The Outstanding Issue
The Brief
Snowbound
Saving The Farm
Misunderstanding
Licence Inspection
Working For The Elf 
Distraction
Have We Defined The Problem?
A Letter From An Old Friend
Cognitive Interview

The Prompters' Story is here.

Thank you again everyone who participated.

I think I will do this again when I have time.  Things I think I will do differently next time include putting a link to the relevant prompt at the top of each story.  I made need to rethink extra stories and the group bonus story work.  Tip jar?  May be.

Things I have discovered: The initial prompts are like a sugar blast.  I really do not like the 'new chair' smell of my new computer chair - I'm not feeling well at the moment and I hope this isn't contributing to it.  I like getting feedback, particularly as you were all generous and said you like things.Only one story, "The Walk" has no comments at the time of writing and I'm not sure why that is.

Thank you again for your participation.

Round Up From The Prompt Request

I have now written one story each prompter plus one for each linkback and completed the Prompters' Story.

The stories written are:

Walking In The Rain At Sunset
Where Did The Money Go?
The Walk
Totems
The Outstanding Issue
The Brief
Snowbound
Saving The Farm
Misunderstanding
Licence Inspection
Working For The Elf 
Distraction
Have We Defined The Problem?
A Letter From An Old Friend
Cognitive Interview

The Prompters' Story is here.

Thank you again everyone who participated.

I think I will do this again when I have time.  Things I think I will do differently next time include putting a link to the relevant prompt at the top of each story.  I made need to rethink extra stories and the group bonus story work.  Tip jar?  May be.

Things I have discovered: The initial prompts are like a sugar blast.  I really do not like the 'new chair' smell of my new computer chair - I'm not feeling well at the moment and I hope this isn't contributing to it.  I like getting feedback, particularly as you were all generous and said you like things.Only one story, "The Walk" has no comments at the time of writing and I'm not sure why that is.

Thank you again for your participation.