Save the traditional marriage

Armando Teran Jr

9/30/10

Page 292-#2

            It is important for America to preserve its traditional monogamous marriage because it seems recently that many individuals are turning away from a monogamous marriage and are exposing their infidelity in several different ways. For example many women and men are not being loyal to each other. I know this because of the media, research and watching reality television shows. The divorce rate in America is on the increase. It is important for individuals to be careful when selecting their significant other.

            Containing characteristics that is appealing to someone is a good idea. For example the author Buss writes “people who possess desirable characteristics are in high demand” (Buss 268). In order to have a monogamous marriage individuals should strive to select someone that have appealing characteristics. According to Buss being able to keep your mate is a problem that is on the rise.  The author Buss states that this is due to rival men and women desiring to

 According to Robert Wright the idea of having a monogamous relationship is becoming more difficult.  Robert Wright covers the issue pertaining to why women and men cheat. Wright claims that cheating comes naturally to women and there is evidence to support this claim. Despite the issue of infidelity achieving a monogamous relationship can be accomplished. In order to accomplish this individuals would have to rise to the occasion and not pay attention to all the media.

Week 6 blog reviews

Week 6 Blog Reviews

Justin:

I really enjoyed reading you analysis on the movie “Training Day”. It was a good movie, but it was very explicit. Denzel Washington is a great actor and, he played the role of a corrupt cop very well. You offered a great description of his character. For example you mentioned that his character is a ruthless cop and displays violent tendencies. Your other blog post was just as good. John’s article touched out topics that I never really like talking about. You explain the purpose of your essay very well.

Jackie:

You offered a great synopsis of the movie “Kill Bill”. You did a great describing the main character of the movie. You mentioned that women in the movie are portrayed as either heroes or villains and, they usually get roles like wives or girlfriends. You offered a great example of how women can play different roles not just in movies but in society. I completely agree with you when you stated that John claims that somehow capitalism is connected with the rise of America’s gay identity. You did a good job describing the main points of the article.

Women and communication

Armando Teran Jr

9/24/10

English 215

He said/She Said

Directed Free write pg 246

            Deborah Tannen poses an interesting idea pertaining to the issue of communication between men and women. The author claims that men and women are socially different. According to Tannen since men and women are socially differently they misinterpret information during arguments and discussions. Deborah Tannen states the reason that men and women are socially different is due to the influence of social structure in their childhood. I understand the point that Tannen is making in her article. I agree based on experience that men and women do interpret information differently sometimes. The author provides scenarios in the article to prove her point.

            A conflict I experienced with a woman during a private conversation made me realize that Deborah Tannen’s theories about communication are true pertaining to the issue that men and women are socially different. I was talking to the most beautiful girl at school. She complimented me and was flirting with me. She started to talk about issues that I was not interested in and I began not to pay attention. She noticed that I was not paying attention, and she was angry. She responded by saying “why weren’t you paying attention”. I responded by saying “I was giving you silent attention”. (This conflict was made up to elaborate on Tannen’s perspective of communication)

            According to the author Tannen women like men who listen to them and give them attention. If a woman is under the impression that a man is not listening she becomes irate. Men have the tendency not to convey their feeling through words. I think that it is important for men and women to socialize in a way to understand each other. When I speak a woman I will be sure to pay attention.

Capitalism and Identity

Armando Teran Jr

9/22/10

English 215

Hidden Histories

            John D’Emilio argues in his article that the cause for exposing gay identity in America was caused by capitalism. The term capitalism refers to private organizations creating businesses for profit. The author briefly discusses the history of capitalism in America. His entire article seems based on speculation as opposed to facts regarding to the issue of capitalism is the reason for Americans exposing their gay identity. There are also several other factors to consider when explaining how individuals were able to express their sexual preference openly. John D’Emilio is correct to argue that capitalism has changed over the years, but he is wrong to state that it caused many Americans to publicly express their sexual preference.

            The state of the American family has changed significantly over time due to technology and social networks. Computers and social networks have changed how families communicate. The economy in America has also changed drastically over time just like capitalism. For example American’s economy was skyrocketing to the top before the recession. There were plenty of jobs for individuals and there was no budget cuts going on. The housing market was at its best but then the recession struck America.

            The recession caused America to cut back on many government jobs. Many Americans were unemployed and the housing market crashed. I do not think that capitalism was the cause for the recession or the reason why several Americans decided to expose their gay identity. I think that there were many other factors that caused America’s drastic economic change and the more widely expressed sexual identity by individuals.

Armando Teran Jr

English 215

9/18/10

Real wild women/wild real men

            I could not think of a film so I decided to focus on a controversial show called “The Jersey Shore”. The cast consists of four men and four women who live together in one house and, they roam the nightclubs looking for a good time. The show contains wild women and real wild men. The cast members display illicit and scandalous behavior several different ways. They do not seem to have any morals, but who am I to judge anyone based on their actions. The show is a very popular show nationwide. The cast members are now considered famous. This show pushes the envelope for reality television because of the behavior being displayed by the cast members. You either like the show or hate it.

            According to Beedles “cultures play a huge role in how activities and characteristics ascribed to men and women are defined, deployed and valued” (Beedles 203). The men in the show are Italian. The men are Vinnie, Ronnie, Pauly, and Mike (the situation); all these men are Italian. The show was criticized because the men are giving Italians and the city Jersey a bad stereotype. Politicians and citizens voiced their opinion on showbiz tonight claiming that not all Italian men from Jersey behave that way.

            This show may have stereotyped Italian men from Jersey in a bad way. It would be stereotypical for other individuals to assume that all men from Jersey display illicit behavior at night clubs and at their homes. The show depicts the men fighting, committing fornication, using foul language, arguing and being involved in debauchery. Is this what people really want to see when they turn on the television? It must be because the show plans on airing a third season.  Your either like it or you don’t.

           

Analytic Essay Rough Draft

Analytic Essay

Artificial intelligence in technology has created major controversy among philosophers. The controversy started when philosophers and scientists stated that machines and computers containing artificial intelligence can have a form of consciousness; they also claim computers and machines contain characteristics of a human intelligence. Take for example the philosopher Marvin Minsky; he is attempting to someday create a machine with artificial intelligence that if created it may possibly pass the capabilities of a human brain. According to Davidson “consciousness is currently the focus of considerable philosophical and scientific discussion” (Davidson pg 121). Each philosopher has their own interpretation of the term consciousness. Aleksander is a philosopher who claims machines can have a form of consciousness. Aleksander is in the process of working on a project called Magnus. He claims the Magnus project when completed will convey characteristics of consciousness. Neural network is vital in machines containing a form of consciousness. Neural networks are designed to solve programs and are instilled in computers.

The ideas and theories being presented by the philosophers are complex and they have provoked speculation among other philosophers. There are several different ways to define artificial intelligence. An interesting perspective in defining the words artificial intelligence comes from the author Lawrence Widman. He claims there are several different interpretations of the term artificial intelligence but he defines the term very simply. Widman states the term refers to “programs that perform tasks, which if performed by a human being would be considered intelligent” (Widman pg 49). If computers and machines can complete tasks just like humans according to Lawrence Widman these technological machines display a characteristic of intelligence. There are wide varieties of purposes for systems containing artificial intelligence. There are mainly being used to solve complex problems, the philosophers did not go into specifics regarding the purpose.

Clarence Silva offered an interesting perspective pertaining to machines containing artificial intelligence. Silva examined the different aspects of intelligent machines and stated that “computers may be programmed to exhibit some intelligent characteristics of a human” (Silva pg 2). The several different components implemented into a computer that enable the computer to complete tasks just like a human. Technology can convey intelligence by completing tasks based on the research conducted by Silva. The writer composes a simple explanation to this controversy of artificial intelligence. For example Silva writes “the field of artificial intelligence evolved with the objective of developing computers that can think like humans (Silva pg 2). Minsky and Aleksander are in the process of creating machines that can function just like humans. The machines they are attempting to create will solve complex problems quicker than humans. “Aleksander and Minsky are no stranger to controversy” (Davidson pg 122). The philosophers are still pushing the envelope in regards to the issue of artificial intelligence. A scientist by the name of William Clocksin claims computers that have artificial intelligence are loaded with different human abilities. For example Clocksin writes “artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science with the objective of equipping machines with reasoning and perceptual abilities” (Clocksin pg 2). If a computer system is capable of completing tasks performed by a human this would demand intelligence and therefore making a valid argument for computers displaying a characteristic of intelligence.

Take for example game playing against your own computer. Is the computer being able to think decisively or is it programmed a certain way to complete the game? Clocksin states that this example offers “a limited model for human intelligence” (Clocksin pg 1730). William Clocksin claims in his articles that intelligence is not limited to an individual mind or computer problem solving rather it revolves around other factors. Each philosopher, scientist and any other person involved in this debate have their own interesting ideas pertaining to artificial intelligence. The ideas are complex and create a minor debate amongst other individuals who study this particular issue. Systems that contain artificial intelligence do have limitations but they can function just like humans.

Other philosophers contrast the idea of computers having a form of consciousness and their ability to function similar to a human. John Searle and Roger Penrose are among few philosophers that contradict the theories and ideas mentioned. Searle states that consciousness can only come from a human organ. For example Searle writes “the brain is not a digital computer but a specific biological organ” (Davidson pg 121). Seale claims that computers can not have consciousness. It is difficult to state without having any doubts that machines have a sense of consciousness because they lack criteria that are relevant in human consciousness such as pain and feelings. Despite being challenged by other individuals philosophers that have proposed that computers and machines have a form of consciousness along with displaying characteristics of human intelligence have certainly argued their point by conveying facts.





Work Cited Page:

Widman, E. Lawrence and Loparo, A. Kenneth. (1990). Artificial Intelligence, Simulation, and Modeling. Interfaces, Vol. 20, No. 2, 48-66

Clocksin F, William. (August 15, 2003). Artificial Intelligence and the future. Philosophical transactions, Vol. 361, No. 1809, 1721-1748

Silva W, Clarence. (August 15, 2003). The role of soft computing in intelligent machines. Philosophical transactions, Vol. 361, No. 1809, 1749-1780

Davidson, Clive. I Process therefore I am. New Scientist. March 27, 1993. 115-122

Week 4 Blog Reviews

Week 4 Blog Reviews

Hilary Cummings:

9/7/10

You offered a great analytical reflection of the author article. I understood exactly what you were stating in your paragraphs because I have also read the article. I liked how you touched on many of the main ideas being presented in the article. The issue of machines containing some form of consciousness is a controversy for some philosophers. I think that this controversy is interesting. I have decided to write my analytical essay pertaining to this issue because I have never heard of it. I plan to use Minskys article and other articles to complete my essay. Back to your reflection; it was well written and you were able to compose your own ideas/opinions about the issue.

9/9/10

You did a good job describing the painting. I thought this assignment was a little tough considering I was only required to write what I saw. You mentioned specific detail in your writing pertaining to the painting which is good. You were very descriptive. Overall good job.

Jessica Chee:

9/7/10

I think by stating main points from the article is always a great way to inform other readers what you read. Wright does pose the question if machines can really think and if they truly can will they excel human capabilities. According to your paragraph Wright clearly states that machines can never surpass human capabilities. I think you should have mentioned the ideas of the philosopher Wright focuses on in his writing; it was vital in Wright’s essay. You mentioned that machines can never have a form of consciousness because they can’t feel. I think that one of the philosophers mentioned that not being able to feel pain/feeling is not relevant for a machine to have a form of consciousness.


9/9/10

You described the same painting as one of our group members. It was interesting to know that both of you had different ways of describing the portrait created by Frida K. You did a good job being descriptive. I liked how you gave your interpretation of the painting. I thought we were only supposed to write what we saw and not interpret the portrait.

Jordan F:

9/7/10

Wright does offer interesting ideas/theories pertaining to the issue of machines being able to think and poses some form of consciousness by conducting research. You offered your own opinion on the issue which is always good because not everyone will feel the same way on a particular issue. You are right by stating Wright has vies both sides of the argument. Overall you did a good job.

9/9/10

The painting you chose does seem interesting. It looks very original. You did a good job describing the painting. It is easy to describe a painting but I think it is difficult sometimes to interpret a portrait because it can be subjective. Your descriptive writing is good.

Wounded Deer_Description of painting

Armando Teran Jr


English 215

9/8/10

Frida Kahlo and artistic identity

This particular painting by Friday Kahlo is a painting I have never seen before. I will attempt to describe this painting based only off what I see. There are several different trees in the painting. I also see an enormous lake in the very back along with clouds. The painting contains a very strange looking animal. The animal appears to be a dear. The dear is in a forest. The deer has several different arrows piercing its body with blood dripping down everywhere. The deer has the face of Frida Kahlo along with hair and horns.

The deer seems to be running through a deserted forest which no one has been in for a long time. The dear has very thin legs and large horns. It appears as if it is going to rain soon. The trees in the forest do not have any fruit or any leaves. The trees are dark brown and they seem not to have any life. I am able to see lightning bolts by the lake. The lake is light blue. There are not any bright colors in the painting indicating the tone of the painting which is gloomy.

Basically the entire picture contains a deer with the head of Frida Kahlo in a forest next to a lake. The dear was been shot multiple times with arrows and there is blood dripping down the body of the deer. Frida Kahlo has a creative dark sided imagination. It was difficult to be descriptive about this painting because I could not add any more detail. The painting is original and I am not sure what it means.

Reference for picture:
N/A. Wounded Deer. N/A. 9/8/10. < ritzobrian.tripod.com/kahlobio2.html

Thinking Machines Take Two

Armando Teran Jr


English 215

9/4/10

Thinking Machines Take Two

Robert Wright’s essay discusses a debate pertaining to the issue of machines containing artificial intelligence. Wright concentrates on the issue of machines being able to think. For example he poses the question “Can machines think” (Wright 141). The author uses an example of Garry Kasparov’s chess match versus a computer. Garry stated his chess match against a computer was for the purpose of claiming that computers are not smarter than humans. It was difficult attempting to pinpoint the author’s thesis in his essay. Wright starts his essay by explaining the chess match between Garry and a computer then jumps to his main idea. Wright primarily focuses on the topic of machines containing a form of consciousness.

The article mentions a philosopher named David Chalmers and touches on his theories pertaining to artificial intelligence. Chalmers mentions a robot named Cog. Cog is being built to contain artificial intelligence. Chalmers claims that “Cog is a good model of human data processing” (Wright 143). Basically Cog is a robot that will being able to process date just like a human. Wright states an interesting idea, he states that “you don’t in principle need pain to function like a human being” (Wright 144). The author is making the claim that robots can function just like humans.

Wright’s main point of emphasizes in his essay is clear. He poses interesting facts and ideas about machines having some form of consciousness. The author provides examples from Chalmers theory about robots be able to process information just like a human. The controversy of machines being able to have a sense of consciousness is interesting. In the end machines are built for a purpose and are controlled by humans.

Week 3 Blog Reviews:

Armando Teran Jr


English 215

9/6/10

Week 3 Blog Reviews:

Hilary Cummings:

8/31/10

I thought this free write activity was simple. I chose the same free write. Thoughts and ideas are different. I liked how you mentioned thoughts are like inner dialogue is someone’s mind. You stated ideas are different and I agree with you. According to your blog “ideas start small and lead to something bigger”. I wrote down that an ideas is comes from an individual’s conscious mind. An idea is how someone stores information inside their conscious mind. A thought to me is different. A thought is the process of how someone thinks. I liked how the movie inception changed your view on ideas. I never saw that movie. It must have been a good move since it changed your perception on ideas. This topic was something new to me.

9/2/10

I think that Minsky was very ambitious to attempt to develop a machine that would have a neural network program that would solve complex problem. I said the same thing pertaining to Minsky’s machine. I do not think they his machines would be smarter than a human being. Machines are used as an asset to individuals and they are created by human beings. The machines he attempted to create should serve a purpose to humans.

Jessica Chee:

8/31/10

When I first read your article I was not sure which question you were answering until I read the last paragraph. According to your blog ideas and thoughts come from perception. You also mention that ideas and thoughts “can be explained through science”. How can ideas and thought be explained through science? You describe how ideas are formulated. You explain that ideas come from what an individual knows. These statements were interesting. I liked how you gave examples. I thought it was an interesting statement how you mentioned objects are conscious their surroundings like a thermometer. I’m not sure what your thesis statement was. You have a lot cool ideas pertaining to the subject. I know for a fact that you will make an Awesome English Teacher! Sometimes when we write it could be fun and not always something that is required of us.

9/2/10

You offered a good summary of the article you read. Focusing on the main ideas of the article is always relevant when creating a summary. You had a great example of how certain objects are governed by rules. For example you mentioned a calculator is governed by rules and it serves a certain purpose. You have valid points in terms of agreeing with Minsky. I do not think that a calculator is smarter than a human being. Yes a calculator can solve more math problems than a human, but it can’t perform other functions and complete other tasks. A calculator can only be used as a tool to solve math problem. Creating human intelligence by having a kid is a good idea. That statement made me laugh. You did a great job!



Jordan F:

8/31/10

Those two questions were difficult to me as well. I have never been asked those questions before in my life, but since it was a directed free write I had fun with it. An idea can have several different meanings. I wrote down an idea the main focus of what someone is thinking in their conscious mind. A thought on the other hand is the process of thinking. I liked how you ended your pose by stating ideas and thoughts are unique. They are unique not everyone thinks the same. You did a great job with this free write. I thought your ideas were awesome!

9/2/10

You offered a great reflection of the article that you read by touching on the main ideas. Building robots for a purpose sounds cool. I wonder if Brooks can design a robot similar to what the army intelligence use. I did not know that Plankton existed underwater. Yes small size can have its advantage. Overall you had a good reflection on the article. Good job!

Can computers think?

Armando Teran Jr


8/30/10

English 215

Can computers think?

Marvin Minsky is attempting to someday create a machine with intelligence that will excel the human brain. Minsky is in the process of making a neural network and computer program with hopes of this new technology to excel human capabilities in the brain. Being that Minsky “is one of the founding fathers of artificial intelligence” (Minsky pg 116) there are good reasons to believe that his machine will eventually pass human abilities of the brain. Minsky’s idea revolves around neural networks. According to Minsky “neural networks are not programmed instead they learn to solve problems” (Minsky pg 117). The machine with artificial intelligence that Minsky plans to develop, he claims can solve problems much faster than a person.

According to Minsky “the human brain has only limited records of what it has been doing recently” (Minsky pg 120). Minsky is claiming that the machine he develops could store more information, but he state that it may not be smarter. I do not think that Minsky’s machine will be more intelligent than human beings despite their purpose. The machine may be able to solve certain problems quicker but it can’t complete simple tasks that only a person can complete. I would not rely entirely on a machine to complete a task; I would use the machine as an asset to complete tasks.

I think that Minsky is very ambitious in his attempt to develop a machine with artificial intelligence, but a machine can never replace a human. The reason for my belief is a machine can never do certain tasks that a person can do outside of their purpose. Minsky’s ideas are complex but can be achieved. He poses interesting propositions pertaining to his research. I have never heard of these ideas before. I would have to say that a machine can never replace a human.