The Norman Transcript NORMAN — We often attribute human
characteristics to computers, a concept known as
anthropomorphism. We say that computers “think,” that they
“know” things, and that they have “memories.” We give computers
“instructions” and “commands.” It’s an easy, yet strange, way of
describing how a computer “behaves,” a way that communicates
well in our culture. Strange, in that, what other home device do
we treat as if it had a real brain? In truth, computers are
nothing more than dumb boxes filled with imperfect electronic
circuits. Like a high-tech version of a mechanic’s toolkit, a
computer is nothing more than an electromechanical set of tools
designed to help you complete a specific task; a fancy version
of an abacus or slide ruler. Computers certainly can’t think;
they can’t think any farther than you can throw my car.
Computers also are not “magic.” Forget all of that nonsense that
you’ve seen on TV and in Hollywood movies. Forget Hal in “2001,
A Space Odyssey.” Forget Commander Data on Star