Models of Motion

When I grow up....

I'd like to be a mermaid.

Actually, that's what I said when I was about 5. Now, I tend to tell people, when they ask that intimidating question, that I'm fluctuating somewhere between becoming an "artist" (whatever that means...) or a consciousness researcher.  Or, both. Why not?

Now, I'm assuming that neither of these will be particularly well paying jobs, so I will continue to consume less than my means, as I currently do. This will have to include producing some of my own food/energy, dealing with my own waste products responsibly and jumping into dumpsters to salvage the discarded "gold" of a wasteful society.

 So now that we're clear that I'm not doing this for money, I will continue:

 Computers, thus far, have been used primarily as tools. Some artists have incorporated computers (e.x. digital cameras, flash...) as new mediums for expressing their perspective and creativity.  The developing trend in consciousness research has been to determine the neuronal correlates of consciousness using machines like fMRIs. Neither of these roles threaten human jobs - which require creativity and insight.

 Where this all gets interesting, however, is with computer programs that demonstrate creativity (some argue). For example, a computer program "Aaron" has been designed, which produces original works of art - many of which have found their way into Art Museums. Another programmer is teaching a computer to recognize patterns in the piano pieces of world-renowned composers, and to then create and play its own piano pieces, which evolve as it learns. 

 Consiousness researchers have been using computers to creat models of consciousness, and some have created computers that receive sensory input and learn like human children do - through trial and error, pattern recognition, etc..)

Some argue that computers can never be creative. I feel that as of yet, computers might only limited by our own bias of superiority. (aka... some computers learn from trial and error, like we do, however, we primarily view computers as tools to manipulate for our own purposes).  It all comes down to a matter of how "special" you think you are (just for being a human). If we grant the possibility of creativity or meta-reflection in computers, I would not begrudge losing my 'job' to a computer. 

 As for the next 5-10 years, it seems pretty unlikely that these "jobs" will be obsolete. Well, maybe art, due to the internet if the myspace/youtube art and music diy trend continues to break down the walls of the art museums with free and copious creativity. As for consciousness research, as long as I'm studying human consciousness I probably won't be out of a job, since what do humans like better than learning and thinking about themselves? Really, though, I think computers will be vital mediums through which artists and researchers explore themselves and the world.

Hopefully we can look beyond ourselves...

and then I'll be homeless again.

AS FOR THE LEAST LIKELY JOB TO BECOME OBSOLETIZED BY COMPUTERS?

 I'm going to go with waiter/waitress. Humans seem to really love having another human serve them. It makes them feel "special".