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Assignment

If you discuss the paper or the assignment with another student—which we encourage—indicate whom you have talked with in your submitted composition. Of course your submitted composition must be written entirely by you.

On a total of one side of one sheet of paper, using 10 pt type or larger, with standard interline spacing and margins, respond to all the following:

Part I

Imagine that Winston has broadcast an email message asking what you liked best and disliked most. You are to prepare an email reply in the following form, but do not consider The Genesis Manifesto for best or worst.

***

Sir:

The paper I consider best was ... because ...

The paper I consider worst was ... because ...

The issues/questions/positions I am eager to see discussed further are ... because ...

Regards,
Me

***

We will tally up best/worst candidates in class. Come with second choices.

Part II

A friend has become a staffer on a congressional committee that is determined to stop all funding for AI research and withhold all federal funding to states in which AI research is conducted. Members are upset by various statements such as:

• Elon Musk: With Artificial Intelligence, we are summoning the demon. AI is our biggest existential threat.
• Stephen Hawking: The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.
• Marvin Minsky: Once the computers get control, we might never get it back. We would survive at their sufferance. If we’re lucky, they might keep us as pets.

Knowing you took 6xxx, your friend asks you to testify about where we are, where we are going, and whether congress should act to protect the people. As usual in congressional testimony, you will deliver some opening remarks. Prepare your remarks, concluding with recommendations (also known as contributions).