Date: November 16, 2006

Presenter: Chris King, Geodata Publishers

The guest speaker for this meeting was Chris King, owner of Geodata Publishers - www.geodatapub.com - of College Station, Texas (home of the Texas A&M Aggies). Mr. King has extensive background in database and software development, user interface, artificial intelligence and workflow or computer laboratory production. He is the owner of one patent for a browser technology and has invented numerous computer-related software programs for learning, tracking and reporting activities.

The topic for presentation was "The Soul of the Machine". The topic is not as esoteric as one might think when considering the role of computers in our work and lifestyle.

According to Mr. King, "In many instances, computers are commonly represented as thinking machines that seem to have a mind of their own." The purpose of this talk was to review the various representations made and how they fair against the reality of what a computing machine actually is. We discussed the possibility of the computer ever achieving such abilities.

The presentation covered:

1. The basics of a computer - The Turing Machine.
2. Complexity of known problems.
3. Definitions of Intelligence.
4. The act of Creation.
5. Intelligence vs Consciousness.
6. Discussion.

Mr. King falls under the category of an "ITCouncil visiting dignitary" due to his occasional travel to Omaha. We were fortunate to be able to coordinate with his schedule.