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 counter objections.

Why zombies can’t write signicant source code: The Knowledge Game and the Art of Computer Programming

BENINI, MARCO
2015-01-01

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 counter objections.
2015
philosophy of information, method of levels of abstraction, Knowledge Game, consciousness in programming
Gobbo, F.; Benini, Marco
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11383/1785920
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