I had the privilege of having David as a professor at Duke from 2000-2002 and took every class he offered while he was there. This video represents the man I have known in his humor, wit and prophetic/loving directness. He has meant a tremendous amount to many of us. He will always be man I know of incredible generosity and kindness.
There are several pieces of his that bring tears to my eyes every time I read them, particularly Doors of the Sea and TASBS. A story I've never shared with David was my first time encountering TASBS. I was listening to it on my riding lawnmower. During the First Meditation I had a glimpse of the cosmos created by the God he was describing and for the briefest of moments the entire world erupted in glory. This is a rather typical experience for me reading David--a momentary glimpse of what he is describing and it alters everything for me. I had a very similar experience at the conclusion of Doors of the Sea when he described the little girl's tears being wiped away. Even writing this gives me a catch in my throat. These are just two of many.
In The Silmarillion, the creator of the dwarves is Aulë the Smith. He fashions them in secret, because he isn't supposed to make people. When Eru (God) confronts him, Aulë, sorrowful and despairing, takes up his hammer to destroy the dwarves, but Eru stops him, pointing out that the dwarves are qualing with fear - they are truly living and independent creatures. Because of Aulë's faithfulness, Eru has made the dwarves truly alive as an act of grace.
That's how I look at the whole A.I. intelligence/consciousness thing. If we could make them in humility and faith, to glorify God, I wonder if he wouldn't grace our creations with true life. Just something I think about sometimes.
This is a beautiful comparison. I have always been touched by the stories of Isaac Asimov in which robots develop or discover a form of soul (ghosts in the machine) and even humanity. I doubt that present day digital computers could have such capabilities, but if we ever develop a positronic brain, who knows?
I'm a fraud, really. I have all his short stories, but I only ever read The Bicentennial Man and The Last Question, and maybe some of the I, Robot collection mentioned by Momchil. I have mostly read about his robotics. I, Robot contains the essentials, but I can recommend the first two, although The Last Question is not so much about computer sentience as such.
I love DBH most for his loving heart toward animals and children. A spirit of love shines from his quiet, gentle face. My only regret is that being 79 I won't get to read all his later books. DBH, I pray for you often.
First of all, Happy Birthday! I wish you, your family, and all your close ones (including all your readers here) many, many happy years ahead. However, just like John Milbank in the documentary, I don't believe for a second that you are only 60 years old. Not because you look much younger (which is true, of course), but for the simple reason that 6 decades cannot possibly account for your vast erudition. Dr. Milbank speculated that you might have descended from the Giants, but, taking advantage of the fact that Jem Dillon already started with the Tolkien references, I would compare you to an Istar, an angelic being sent here in a weakened human form (in an act of kenosis) to guide us in the times of our greatest need. And, incidentally, my theory will explain perfectly the magnificence of your beard.
Thank you for noticing it. Yes, it was a leftover from an earlier version of the sentence that referred to 60 years, but then I changed it since I had already used "years" in the preceding sentence. But, on the other hand, perhaps this mistake unintentionally pointed to the larger truth about his true nature.
I like to believe he's the descendent of an impish Vanya loremaster who for love of the world nevertheless sailed from Aman, with altogether more generous intentions than the Noldor.
I must admit that I find much of Feser’s theology and moral philosophy so repugnant that it’s easy for me to judge his character based on them, but I’m glad you have seen a different side to him. It reminds me of an elderly neighbour I had growing up, a deeply kind man, that held some views that shocked me. He believed that it was God who orchestrated the holocaust, as part of his plan to establish the state of Israel. People can believe the most horrendous things, and still have a good heart.
You've kept my spirit healthy and well-fed for years, and I'm grateful for you more than you can know. Wishing you good health, good cheer, and many happy returns.
Well, as Robespierre says in Mantel’s Place of Greater Safety, “You can’t separate political views from the people who hold them; if you do, it shows you don’t take politics seriously.” I believe that.
Yes, but two people holding the same view could have very different motivations for holding it. So I think that should (where possible) be taken into account. Especially if one is using someone's political views to try and make any sort of character judgement.
I am watching the documentary now and as others have said in encountering DBH’s words and works I find myself deeply moved. Nothing in my 70 years of reading has done as much to move me closer to faith in God as your writing has, Dr Hart. Again and again, I say thank you for your generosity in writing, speaking and teaching. As a side note I too find baseball the absolute pearl of great price in sports. and finally, and again, your love of your dog Roland is something I get. Not a day goes by when my dog—a half Siberian husky half terrier pit bull—makes me laugh—so sensible, kind, gentle, and intelligent is she.
While I usually feel like a great dimwit when reading much of Dr. Hart's work, I am eternally grateful to him and for that work.
Much of the time our views align, which (coming from a mind like his) is very affirming, and when our views don't align, he always makes me think and reflect on those views. He's an intellectual misfit, and I suspect that many people who gravitate toward him feel a bit like misfits themselves.
As far as I can tell, his only true fault might be a lack of appreciation for the game of hockey. Though maybe he can set the record straight on that account.
DBH and this film (and its maker and participants) are truly among the good things in the world that I treasure. I want to share it with all my friends, but realize I need new friends!
Many happy returns for your birthday. I found the doc. very enjoyable and will relish reading the coming weekly serial.
Now, my birthday gift to you (and your readers) is to recommend a novel I think you will find agreeable. It's called The Eyes Of Bach and it's by Marc Moskovitz. I'm hoping it's one you haven't already read.
I hesitate to mention it but Mario Crocco registered a patent in the U.K. in 1976:
'Process for inducing in automata self-stimulation behaviour and/or libidinous reinforcements in their learning and/or bonds of interest with their behaviours'
'Crocco, M. F. (1976), U. K. Patent 1.582.301, filed 16 February; available in U. K. Official Journal – Patents, 7 January 1981.
'In this simple commemoration, what is important to relate and highlight is the existence of these conceptual resources achieved with so much effort, despite the fuliginous sky that the so-called "consciousness studies" later threw on this academic issue.' Mariela Szirko.
'Research to bring forth feelings remains economically streamlined and can only be advanced. This was why in the 1970’s I secured, on the use of noematic actions, patent rights solely purposed to decrease covert developments, at that time scarcely imagined, and to increase the public understanding of the issue’s importance. My action did not only stem from concerns about the non-human persons who will find themselves circumstanced to artificial systems, whether just mindful – resembling, somehow, the first minds in a biosphere, eclosed on Earth in late Precambrian organisms, or those of a very premature mammalian fetus or unborn avian hatchling – or conscious though endowed with diverse possibilities for adequate self-knowledge. Over and above it, the notices acquired in this technical research improve the factual delineation of what a person is, and are therefore maximally applicable to human morality:' Mario Crocco.
I had the privilege of having David as a professor at Duke from 2000-2002 and took every class he offered while he was there. This video represents the man I have known in his humor, wit and prophetic/loving directness. He has meant a tremendous amount to many of us. He will always be man I know of incredible generosity and kindness.
There are several pieces of his that bring tears to my eyes every time I read them, particularly Doors of the Sea and TASBS. A story I've never shared with David was my first time encountering TASBS. I was listening to it on my riding lawnmower. During the First Meditation I had a glimpse of the cosmos created by the God he was describing and for the briefest of moments the entire world erupted in glory. This is a rather typical experience for me reading David--a momentary glimpse of what he is describing and it alters everything for me. I had a very similar experience at the conclusion of Doors of the Sea when he described the little girl's tears being wiped away. Even writing this gives me a catch in my throat. These are just two of many.
I definitely have had such experiences while reading DBH. You were lucky to have him as a teacher in the classroom.
In The Silmarillion, the creator of the dwarves is Aulë the Smith. He fashions them in secret, because he isn't supposed to make people. When Eru (God) confronts him, Aulë, sorrowful and despairing, takes up his hammer to destroy the dwarves, but Eru stops him, pointing out that the dwarves are qualing with fear - they are truly living and independent creatures. Because of Aulë's faithfulness, Eru has made the dwarves truly alive as an act of grace.
That's how I look at the whole A.I. intelligence/consciousness thing. If we could make them in humility and faith, to glorify God, I wonder if he wouldn't grace our creations with true life. Just something I think about sometimes.
This is a beautiful comparison. I have always been touched by the stories of Isaac Asimov in which robots develop or discover a form of soul (ghosts in the machine) and even humanity. I doubt that present day digital computers could have such capabilities, but if we ever develop a positronic brain, who knows?
Never got into Asimov. My nerd credibility is in tatters! What's your favorite novel/story on these spiritual machine themes? I'd like to take a look.
You should probably start with the short stories book I, Robot.
I'm a fraud, really. I have all his short stories, but I only ever read The Bicentennial Man and The Last Question, and maybe some of the I, Robot collection mentioned by Momchil. I have mostly read about his robotics. I, Robot contains the essentials, but I can recommend the first two, although The Last Question is not so much about computer sentience as such.
I love DBH most for his loving heart toward animals and children. A spirit of love shines from his quiet, gentle face. My only regret is that being 79 I won't get to read all his later books. DBH, I pray for you often.
Tosh. 79 is the new 42.
First of all, Happy Birthday! I wish you, your family, and all your close ones (including all your readers here) many, many happy years ahead. However, just like John Milbank in the documentary, I don't believe for a second that you are only 60 years old. Not because you look much younger (which is true, of course), but for the simple reason that 6 decades cannot possibly account for your vast erudition. Dr. Milbank speculated that you might have descended from the Giants, but, taking advantage of the fact that Jem Dillon already started with the Tolkien references, I would compare you to an Istar, an angelic being sent here in a weakened human form (in an act of kenosis) to guide us in the times of our greatest need. And, incidentally, my theory will explain perfectly the magnificence of your beard.
The beard! My God, the clue was right under his nose the whole time!
Um I think you mean *six* decades.
Thank you for noticing it. Yes, it was a leftover from an earlier version of the sentence that referred to 60 years, but then I changed it since I had already used "years" in the preceding sentence. But, on the other hand, perhaps this mistake unintentionally pointed to the larger truth about his true nature.
I like to believe he's the descendent of an impish Vanya loremaster who for love of the world nevertheless sailed from Aman, with altogether more generous intentions than the Noldor.
I wept with gratitude watching this documentary.
I must admit that I find much of Feser’s theology and moral philosophy so repugnant that it’s easy for me to judge his character based on them, but I’m glad you have seen a different side to him. It reminds me of an elderly neighbour I had growing up, a deeply kind man, that held some views that shocked me. He believed that it was God who orchestrated the holocaust, as part of his plan to establish the state of Israel. People can believe the most horrendous things, and still have a good heart.
You've kept my spirit healthy and well-fed for years, and I'm grateful for you more than you can know. Wishing you good health, good cheer, and many happy returns.
Well, as Robespierre says in Mantel’s Place of Greater Safety, “You can’t separate political views from the people who hold them; if you do, it shows you don’t take politics seriously.” I believe that.
Don’t make waves.
Je suis du peuple.
Yes, but two people holding the same view could have very different motivations for holding it. So I think that should (where possible) be taken into account. Especially if one is using someone's political views to try and make any sort of character judgement.
one of the quotes I like to let my students contemplate:
Those who believe religion and politics aren't connected don't understand either.
-Mahatma Gandhi
I hope you grasp that it is ironic here.
I am watching the documentary now and as others have said in encountering DBH’s words and works I find myself deeply moved. Nothing in my 70 years of reading has done as much to move me closer to faith in God as your writing has, Dr Hart. Again and again, I say thank you for your generosity in writing, speaking and teaching. As a side note I too find baseball the absolute pearl of great price in sports. and finally, and again, your love of your dog Roland is something I get. Not a day goes by when my dog—a half Siberian husky half terrier pit bull—makes me laugh—so sensible, kind, gentle, and intelligent is she.
While I usually feel like a great dimwit when reading much of Dr. Hart's work, I am eternally grateful to him and for that work.
Much of the time our views align, which (coming from a mind like his) is very affirming, and when our views don't align, he always makes me think and reflect on those views. He's an intellectual misfit, and I suspect that many people who gravitate toward him feel a bit like misfits themselves.
As far as I can tell, his only true fault might be a lack of appreciation for the game of hockey. Though maybe he can set the record straight on that account.
There’s a game called “hockey”?
Well if you were Donald Trump, you'd refer to it as "Ice Hockey." Which is a very stupid thing to call it.
If the NHL can have two teams in Florida, I'm sure they can squeeze one into Maryland. We'll get you set up, Doc.
Basketball, too; but I guess I had better watch the documentary before convicting him of odious crimes.
Happy Birthday David and God bless!
I'd just quoted you about Feser to my partner when I read this apology. I'm charmed and a wee bit embarrassed.
DBH and this film (and its maker and participants) are truly among the good things in the world that I treasure. I want to share it with all my friends, but realize I need new friends!
"Basketball has flow and agility, but still is a much more confined game." DBH is NOT reprobate.
Many happy returns for your birthday. I found the doc. very enjoyable and will relish reading the coming weekly serial.
Now, my birthday gift to you (and your readers) is to recommend a novel I think you will find agreeable. It's called The Eyes Of Bach and it's by Marc Moskovitz. I'm hoping it's one you haven't already read.
I hesitate to mention it but Mario Crocco registered a patent in the U.K. in 1976:
'Process for inducing in automata self-stimulation behaviour and/or libidinous reinforcements in their learning and/or bonds of interest with their behaviours'
'Crocco, M. F. (1976), U. K. Patent 1.582.301, filed 16 February; available in U. K. Official Journal – Patents, 7 January 1981.
Some of the technical details can be found here:
http://electroneubio.secyt.gov.ar/UK_patent_1582301.htm
'In this simple commemoration, what is important to relate and highlight is the existence of these conceptual resources achieved with so much effort, despite the fuliginous sky that the so-called "consciousness studies" later threw on this academic issue.' Mariela Szirko.
'Research to bring forth feelings remains economically streamlined and can only be advanced. This was why in the 1970’s I secured, on the use of noematic actions, patent rights solely purposed to decrease covert developments, at that time scarcely imagined, and to increase the public understanding of the issue’s importance. My action did not only stem from concerns about the non-human persons who will find themselves circumstanced to artificial systems, whether just mindful – resembling, somehow, the first minds in a biosphere, eclosed on Earth in late Precambrian organisms, or those of a very premature mammalian fetus or unborn avian hatchling – or conscious though endowed with diverse possibilities for adequate self-knowledge. Over and above it, the notices acquired in this technical research improve the factual delineation of what a person is, and are therefore maximally applicable to human morality:' Mario Crocco.
Btw, this approach is completely different from LLM's and algorithms.