Funnily enough, routinely conceived artificial intelligences may be more realistic than the shatteringly difficult-to-make and complex computer mind Data has. I mean, if randomly assembling carbon could develop self-awareness in only a few billion years, surely a complex adaptive system designed in a more calculated manner could eventually come to be. I suppose it's a conceit of Star Trek that they still don't know what causes consciousness to arise. And yet they must have a good idea, given that they've seen dozens of AIs and all sorts of non-carbon life--the common factor or factors between these disparate systems are probably the root of consciousness. Also a basic understanding may be required for their transporters to work correctly, depending on your theory of transporter operation.
Where they really went wrong with the EMH was the misconception that he was a hologram, and not a computer program. It may be an easy mistake to make, but imputing the conscious functions of the Doctor to his light-body is like saying my consciousness resides in my photograph!
Where they really went wrong with the EMH was the misconception that he was a hologram, and not a computer program. It may be an easy mistake to make, but imputing the conscious functions of the Doctor to his light-body is like saying my consciousness resides in my photograph!
