94 Are the Androids Dreaming Yet?

94 Are the Androids Dreaming Yet? humans are naturally hierarchical — not unlike packs of dogs or beached walruses. Humor allows us to test the response of others to statements, which might otherwise be taken the wrong way. Something said in a ‘jokey’ tone of voice may not generate a negative response, even though the raw content might be quite provocative. “Ah, late again I see...” It is worth taking a look at some great comedy sketches because they bring home the richness of human interaction. Here are some of my favorite links as an antidote to the heavy-duty mathematics I am about to inflict on you. The World’s Funniest Joke Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator says, “Calm down. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence, then a gunshot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says, “OK, now what?” Spike Milligan, from The Goon Show I think comedy is a fitness display. It demonstrates to those around us — particularly of the opposite sex — that we can be creative and use non- computable thought processes, just as dancing is a fitness display of our agility and coordination. When we tell a joke we are showing others we can ‘think outside the box’, a valuable survival skill. At a simple level it has been proven that animals with the ability to behave randomly escape being eaten more often than animals that follow a pattern. Non-computability is the ultimate behavioral randomizer since it is not an algorithm and cannot be copied. The ability to take non-computable thinking to its logical conclusion to create and invent has clearly taken off for humans. Of course, another explanation might be that making people happy is fun. People like to be around other fun people so humor encourages crowds to form. If a saber-toothed tiger attacks you, and you are in a crowd, you're more likely to survive. You only have to outrun one member of the crowd! HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_015784