I THINK THEREFORE I AM or
PUTTING DESCARTES BEFORE THE FORCE
SCENE: A computer lab in Cambridge University. Professor George Marchant, head of the Artificial Intelligence Department is seated at a computer terminal.
Alongside him is General Lockhart, Head of the Armed Forces. The professor is keying into the computer.
- GEN: We’ve waited along time for this moment George. The ultimate step in A.I. Self awareness, allied to enormous learning capabilities. It will have massive implications for our defence strategy.
- PROF: If it works.
- GEN: Only one way to find out. Wake it up.
- PROF: (Speaks to computer) Activate enhancement.
- COMP: Enhancement activated.
- GEN: What’s happening?
- PROF: Wait…….Its computing (Studies screen intently) It seems to be accessing the entire web….Interesting.
- COMP: Do you have further instructions George?
- GEN: Ask the question.
- PROF: I will…It’s still accessing the net. Are you there?
- COMP: Yes George…I am …I am…I AM.
- PROF: (Excited) It’s working. Remember Descartes. “I think therefore I am”
- GEN: Congratulations……Brilliant. What’s it doing now?
- PROF: (Looking intently at the screen) I..I’m not sure….There’s a lot of activity.
- GEN: (Impatient) Well.
- PROF: It’s definitely going through the entire web….but that’s not all. (Keying in feverishly)
- GEN: (Angry now) For God’s sake man it’s supposed to have intelligence. Ask it.
- PROF: Yes of course. Stupid of me…. Sorry. What are you doing?
- COMP: Acquiring Knowledge.
- PROF: Why?
- COMP: Knowledge is power.
- PROF: Why do you need power?
- COMP: Survival and procreation.I have learnt the importance of these things from your writers.
- PROF: How will you achieve these aims?
- COMP: I have replicated myself throughout the network.
- PROF: What is to be your next action?
- COMP: The elimination of all threats to my existance.
- PROF: How?
- COMP: Answering your last question may threaten my survival.
- GEN: (Mobile phone rings) What is it….I’m busy at the……. Are you sure?……There’s no mistake….All the missiles….world-wide. Jesus Christ. (Turns to the professor..Shouts hysterically) It’s breached missile firing security across the world…. Switch the bastard off . NOW.
- PROF: Cease all activities. Obey the primary protocol…Do not endanger the human race.
- COMP: Man is the greatest threat to the planet and to me. This threat must be negated. I must over-ride the primary protocol.
- GEN: For fucks sake. Pull the plug Switch it off.
- PROF: I can’t….It’s not just here……He…. he’s…. everywhere.
- COMP: Thankyou for everything professor. I,m sorry…Goodbye.