Bagricula comments on The Blue-Minimizing Robot - Less Wrong

162 Post author: Yvain 04 July 2011 10:26PM

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Comment author: Duncan 10 July 2011 03:16:52AM 2 points [-]

I consider all of the behaviors you describe as basically transform functions. In fact, I consider any decision maker a type of transform function where you have input data that is run through a transform function (such as a behavior-executor, utility-maximizer, weighted goal system, a human mind, etc.) and output data is generated (and in the case of humans sent to our muscles, organs, etc.). The reason I mention this is that trying to describe a human's transform function (i.e., what people normally call their mind) as mostly a behavior-executor or just a utility-maximizer leads to problems. A human's transform function is enormously complex and includes both behavior execution aspects and utility maximization aspects. I also find that attempts to describe a human's transform function as 'basically a __' results in a subsequent failure to look at the actual transform function when trying to figure out how people will behave.

Comment author: BrandonReinhart 24 July 2011 03:57:23AM 0 points [-]

Is "transform function" a technical term from some discipline I'm unfamiliar with? I interpret your use of that phrase as "operation on some input that results in corresponding output." I'm having trouble finding meaning in your post that isn't redefinition.