Tuesday, January 10, 2017

The Regression Test, by Wole Talabi

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(SF) A society that uses AIs that model great thinkers needs to test them periodically to make sure they haven’t drifted too far from their originals. (3,964 words; Time: 13m)

Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average

"The Regression Test," by (edited by C.C. Finlay), appeared in issue 01-02|17, published on by .

Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)

Pro: The idea of needing to do regression tests on AIs (or uploaded personalities) is an interesting one, as is the notion that the best way to program an AI is to upload the mind of a human genius.

Con: The premise that so much was riding on this one test of this one AI was a little hard to accept.

Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 01-02|17)
Wole Talabi Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB

3 comments (may contain spoilers):

  1. Interesting premise, but her memories of her mother would change over time too. And, of course, there will eventually be no one who knew the original personally. Thought the grandson was a bit cartoonishly evil.

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  2. Now available online (reprinted in The Manchester Review, July 2017): http://www.themanchesterreview.co.uk/?p=7682

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  3. I liked the premise, but I thought the main character's certainty about the AI's identity was a little overblown. She could have asked a few more questions, surely. Also, the final scene was a little too contrived.

    3/5

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