We have only three more readings to go and one more place -- the future. World famous author William Gibson was the first writer to popularize the term "cyber-space." We will read his short story “The Winter Market ” to see a possible development for the future of memory. If it's difficult for you to understand, these links should help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Winter_Market
According to Vernor Vinge, computer scientist and (now retired) professor of Mathematics at CSU San Diego: “Within thirty years, we will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after, the human era will be ended.” He said that in 1993, so there's only twenty years to go if he's right. He explains more about this in our third reading “What is the Singularity?” Is he right? A recent development suggests he may be. And that's our third article, "A Fight to Win the Future: Computers vs Humans." On Friday of this week, I will post your
final exam as well as the last quiz. The quiz will be due Tuesday, May 31, since Monday is a holiday.
The final exam will be due Monday, June 6. During the last week of class we'll have a Week 8 discussion
where we’ll discuss the final and where you can post parts of it if you’d like
feedback.
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