Technology
Test Tube Browsers
Being a graphic designer and a web developer I have always found that one particular operating system seems to cater better or favour one of these roles more. For design I always turn to my Mac, and for development I always turn to…. well my Mac, but the norm would lend itself more towards the Widows spectrum. The problem I find being a developer on a Mac is when it comes to testing. Like it or not (I’m in the latter category), Microsoft’s Internet Explorer still holds the dominant market share when it comes to web browsers, as a result I have to ensure the sites I develop work in IE.
Facebook Developers Garage, London – September
I am currently sat amongst the audience for this month’s Facebook Developers Garage here in London. Slice of pizza in one hand, beer in the other with my macbook pro somewhat precariously placed on my lap. The atmosphere in the room is relaxed, and teaming with ideas and creativity. Everyone is here for one reason, to find out about the latest developments on the Facebook platform so they can build the next best integrations. I was fortunate enough to be invited along to this event as a guest of TechFluff‘s Hermione Way, founder of media agency NewsPepper.
Could we ever build a computer that is conscious?
Abstract
Given the similarities of a computer in terms of its structure and operation to that of a human brain, I argue that it is plausible for us to conceive that given enough advances in technology that we could one day build a computer that is conscious. My main argument of why it is conceivable for us to assume this, stems from a physicalist approach, based on the belief that consciousness is formed as a result of bio-physical processes. In this essay I look at the ways in which we define the term “conscious”, continually pruning its definition to the form that something can only be considered conscious if it sentient, has a high-level overview of its own cognitive states and most importantly its sensory input is accompanied by qualia. In conclusion I identify that in order for computers to achieve the final necessary condition of qualia; would require the development of the other aspects of intelligence, such as self-awareness and emotions.
