[mod.ai] Minds are a terrible thing to explain

"CODSD1::MCDONLEY@ti-eg.CSNET".UUCP (03/10/87)

While contemplating about methods of measuring conciousness, I was asked 
a *WHO* question.  Before I could say the name of the person as an 
answer, another thought stream began.  I knew the name of the person, I 
knew which person I was thinking of, but for some reason I could not say 
or bring to *mind* the name of the person.  In fact the recognition of 
the inability to recall the words flooded my thoughts.  I contemplated on 
the subject of inferences rapidly happening but not yet creating the 
path to the name in my memory.  I wondered if I should stop *worrying* 
about remembering so that more processing resources would be available 
to connect to the name I was attempting to retrieve, when the name burst 
into my thoughts.  Now after reading the AILIST for some time, I am humbled 
to have had what some have called first and second order conciousness 
experiences and wonder if there are separate processors for each level 
or are thoughts the postings of time sliced knowledge sources on some 
blackboard?

Ps.  Since Clyde is an elephant, Clyde is a Republican.


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