The book Sapiens, by Yuval Noah Harari, provides an exposition about what made homo sapiens different from other animals. While that does not answer the question of what make humans different from machines, it is in that direction. Homo sapiens were once just like other animals until they developed the ability to believe in things that were made up, presumably due to genetic mutations. Now, things that are made up are extremely important like laws, money, borders, and national identity. Fictions are what can unite people at a large scale to take collective action. Animals cannot do that.
The belief that HUMAN life with a "soul" is created at the instance of fertilization is just that--a religious belief. I hold the old-fashioned view that the religious beliefs of some should not be embodied in the laws that apply to all. Further, I am no moral philosopher, but it beats me what is moral about imposing your beliefs on others who do not share those beliefs, especially when that imposition is used as a weapon to the detriment of countless women.
I filled in your survey and confirmed that I am old and have very liberal views, supportng the darkest suspicions of your "conservative" reader(s). It is obscure to me what the point is. Mr Zorn is not about to use the data to make money (like the Big Tech sharks). I doubt he will change his views to pander to the majority of his readers. Also, if the reader(s) derive no pleasure from reading the comments, perhaps they should not read them and/or subscribe to Kass's newsletter, if the Indiana Troll issues one.
Your link to your reader survey is, after two responses below of 15 minutes or so ago, now “page not found.” Glitch on my side or some grand conspiracy?
I did the survey, but could not answer the question "What brought you to the Picayune Sentinel? " There was no "It's been so long I don't remember" option!
As I’ve said many times: Back in the early days of chicagotribune.com—when some of the biggest stars at the Tribune, WGN-TV and WGN Radio (Eric Zorn excepted!) couldn’t give the web team the time of day—Tom Skilling was always game to play. Thank you, Tom!
"God is what you might call the ultimate pro-choicer. He is, after all, the One Who thought it would be a good idea to give us choice in the first place. He literally created human choice by giving us free will."
that was written in the comments of Change of Subject back in the day, I forgot to track who said it.
Many years ago, I am sitting on a gun mount watching our ship test a sparrow missile. Boom, off it went and then IT TURNED AROUND and headed back at the ship! Was this missile made by Acme and I am the Coyote?
Well, we destroyed the missile before it hit the ship.
The missile system was frankly run by a baby AI system. Now we have bigger and better AI weapons systems where decisions are made in nano seconds.
I am concerned about AI in the creative world, but I am petrified as AI takes on near complete control over powerful weapons systems throughout the world.
Caitlin Collins is a fantastic basketball player and I enjoy watching her play. Forget the NBA. She would have a tough time playing for some men’s college teams.
Why does David L. need to know how the patronage of this forum skews? What difference does it make? I've never seen anyone banned or discouraged depending on their poltical identity. Is he spying for someone. Is there some point? I am not going to answer any poll on this. It's irrelevant. If it seems to skew left and older to him, he's entitled to his view. But what difference does it make? Who has either been banned or censored for being on either side? The forum itself is neither left nor right. The forum is not a human person. Each individual member is whatever they think they are.
The book Sapiens, by Yuval Noah Harari, provides an exposition about what made homo sapiens different from other animals. While that does not answer the question of what make humans different from machines, it is in that direction. Homo sapiens were once just like other animals until they developed the ability to believe in things that were made up, presumably due to genetic mutations. Now, things that are made up are extremely important like laws, money, borders, and national identity. Fictions are what can unite people at a large scale to take collective action. Animals cannot do that.
The belief that HUMAN life with a "soul" is created at the instance of fertilization is just that--a religious belief. I hold the old-fashioned view that the religious beliefs of some should not be embodied in the laws that apply to all. Further, I am no moral philosopher, but it beats me what is moral about imposing your beliefs on others who do not share those beliefs, especially when that imposition is used as a weapon to the detriment of countless women.
I filled in your survey and confirmed that I am old and have very liberal views, supportng the darkest suspicions of your "conservative" reader(s). It is obscure to me what the point is. Mr Zorn is not about to use the data to make money (like the Big Tech sharks). I doubt he will change his views to pander to the majority of his readers. Also, if the reader(s) derive no pleasure from reading the comments, perhaps they should not read them and/or subscribe to Kass's newsletter, if the Indiana Troll issues one.
Your link to your reader survey is, after two responses below of 15 minutes or so ago, now “page not found.” Glitch on my side or some grand conspiracy?
I laughed out loud upon seeing those two words senior citizen. Did we ever agree upon what age deems you one? Either way, well played David L.
I did the survey, but could not answer the question "What brought you to the Picayune Sentinel? " There was no "It's been so long I don't remember" option!
Your subscriber survey link does not work
As I’ve said many times: Back in the early days of chicagotribune.com—when some of the biggest stars at the Tribune, WGN-TV and WGN Radio (Eric Zorn excepted!) couldn’t give the web team the time of day—Tom Skilling was always game to play. Thank you, Tom!
I tried your link on demographics and it popped an error message. Page cannot be found
"God is what you might call the ultimate pro-choicer. He is, after all, the One Who thought it would be a good idea to give us choice in the first place. He literally created human choice by giving us free will."
that was written in the comments of Change of Subject back in the day, I forgot to track who said it.
My office still uses interdepartmental mail
Took the survey, very low key. Do we need a wacko question or two to help locate where we are as a group?
For example, the 2020 election was stolen by Joe Biden, yes or no?
We need to leave NATO yes or no?
The issue at the border is a humanitarian crisis not an invasion, agree or disagree?
What do you think?
Many years ago, I am sitting on a gun mount watching our ship test a sparrow missile. Boom, off it went and then IT TURNED AROUND and headed back at the ship! Was this missile made by Acme and I am the Coyote?
Well, we destroyed the missile before it hit the ship.
The missile system was frankly run by a baby AI system. Now we have bigger and better AI weapons systems where decisions are made in nano seconds.
I am concerned about AI in the creative world, but I am petrified as AI takes on near complete control over powerful weapons systems throughout the world.
Caitlin Collins is a fantastic basketball player and I enjoy watching her play. Forget the NBA. She would have a tough time playing for some men’s college teams.
Why does David L. need to know how the patronage of this forum skews? What difference does it make? I've never seen anyone banned or discouraged depending on their poltical identity. Is he spying for someone. Is there some point? I am not going to answer any poll on this. It's irrelevant. If it seems to skew left and older to him, he's entitled to his view. But what difference does it make? Who has either been banned or censored for being on either side? The forum itself is neither left nor right. The forum is not a human person. Each individual member is whatever they think they are.
Is passionated a word? I understand what you are trying to convey, but I think using made up words detracts from your point.