quale%si.uninett@TOR.NTA.NO (Kai Quale) (03/30/88)
ok2@psuvm.bitnet writes: > Hi, I'm trying to locate versions of PARRY and similar programs that >simulate conversation with a human being (such as ELIZA and SHRDLU). > I do know that PARRY, which simulates conversing with a Paranoid person >was written by K.M. Colby, based on the information processing approach >(of a paranoiac) of S.S. Tomkins. > Also, I know that SHRDLU, which simulates talking to and giving orders >to a robot in a computer generated simulation, was written by Terry Winograd. >[Rest deleted] RACTER is another conversation program which can be run in monologue (Essay, Poetry, Free prose, ...) or dialogue mode. I don't know what kind of hardware it runs on; I have only read a book written by the program : "The Policeman's Beard is Half Constructed". The book is packed with poems and philosophical discussions between RACTER and its programmers, and RACTER and itself. The real gem is a conversation between RACTER and ELIZA. You wouldn't believe how quickly ELIZA is pressed into a corner, and starts responding to everything with "Interesting" and "Please go on". The following passage does not exist in the book (it's a long time since I read it), but may serve as a taste of the general atmosphere : R : I wonder intensely about the meaningfulness of a hamburger. E : Have you felt this for a long time ? R : Yes, it inhabits my mind like a clawed hippopotamus, never letting go. E : I see. R : Have you ever thought about the fundamental similarity of Bach and the color pink ? E : Is this really what you want to see me about ? R : Why do you ask such a prosaic question ? Don't you feel the organic wholeness of the world ? The singing of the celestial spheres ? Ah, what a state the world is coming to. E : Please go on. etc. Kai Quale <quale%si.uninett@tor.nta.no>