Why zombies cannot write significant source code: The Knowledge Game and the art of computer programming |
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| Authors: | Federico Gobbo Marco Benini |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Amsterdam Center for Language and Communication (ACLC), University of Amsterdam, Spui 210, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;2. Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, University of Torino, via S. Ottavio 20, Torino, (TO), Italyf.gobbo@uva.nl;4. Dipartimento di Scienze Teoriche e Applicate, University of Insubria, via Mazzini 5, Varese(VA), Italy |
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| Abstract: | This article analyses the knowledge needed to understand a computer program within the philosophy of information. L. Floridi's method of levels of abstraction is applied to the relation between an ideal programmer and a modern computer seen together as an informational organism. The results obtained by the mental experiment known as the Knowledge Game are applied to this relation, so to explain what a programmer should know in order to program a modern computer. In particular, this analysis clearly shows why non-conscious agents have no hopes to write significant programs. Two main objections are then presented and attacked by corresponding counterobjections. |
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| Keywords: | philosophy of information method of levels of abstraction Knowledge Game consciousness in programming |
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