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From: bwk@mitre-bedford.ARPA (Barry W. Kort)
Newsgroups: comp.ai,talk.philosophy.misc
Subject: Re: Artificial Intelligence and Intelligence
Summary: Goal-Seeking Behavior vs. Goal-Choosing Behvavior
Keywords: Intentionality
Message-ID: <42466@linus.UUCP>
Date: 6 Dec 88 03:53:21 GMT
References: <562@metapsy.UUCP> <2732@uhccux.uhcc.hawaii.edu> <563@metapsy.UUCP>
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Reply-To: bwk@mbunix (Barry Kort)
Organization: IdeaSync, Inc., Chronos, VT
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In article <563@metapsy.UUCP> sarge@metapsy.UUCP (Sarge Gerbode) writes:

 > I don't need a mechanistic explanation of my own behavior (much of
 > it, at least), because I am directly aware of causing it by
 > intention.

I agree with Sarge that, as a human being, I frequently engage in 
goal-seeking behavior.  That is, I have intentions.

I also engage (from time to time) in goal-choosing behavior.  But
unlike my goal-seeking behavior, my goal-choosing behavior seems
much more unintentional.  Sometimes goals are thrust upon me by
circumstances or cultural expectations.  Sometimes goals surface
as part of a natural progression of learning (as in research).

In any event, I find it hard to predict what goals I will adopt
after I complete my current agenda.  (But I also suspect that a
more sagacious soul than I would have less trouble ancticipating
my future goals.)

--Barry Kort