There seems to be a consensus that as next level of the control
hierarchy, or the metasystem Super-Brain, will develop a Will
that cannot be controlled, understood, or effectively influenced
by lower levels (ie. Users in the Internet). The discussion so far
has shown this to be a likely case. Good examples of
this strict hierarchy come to mind immediately. The individual
cells in your body, for example, cannot influence (to any measurable
degree) you Will even though they make up a great deal of your
overall system.
The great difference between this example and the Super-Brain that
could form is a matter of awareness. I believe that the strict
separation between system/metasystem begins to break down when the
lower levels become aware of the metasystem. We are certainly aware
of the Internet, and the possibilities of a Metasystem of which we
might one day become a part. Does this awareness enable us to effect
the final outcome of the Super-Brain, can we mold its Will? And if
so is it truly a Metasystem?
Awareness and understanding are very different things. Perhaps if
we understand (now that we are aware) the Metasystem, we will be able
to control its formation (Notice there is a difference between
controlling the formation of the Metasystem, and controlling the
Metasystem once it is in place).
If we can control the formation of Will, then the question then
returns again: Who should decide upon the Metasystem Will? How?
-Chris
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Christopher Jaynes | U. Mass Amherst,VISIONS Group
jaynes@cs.umass.edu | Robotic Ethology, Computer Vision/Perception
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