Module 10

Megan Flinders

Module 10

A Logic Named Joe

 

            In the short story, “A Logic Named Joe” written in 1946, several technical descriptions of our time became actuality due to the internet and world-wide web.  It is interesting to think that far out ideas of 1946, such as the ability to “type in logic in the tank” and it will pop up what you are searching for, are simply reality and taken for granted in our time.  It is hard to imagine what life would be like without the basics of a computer, internet, cell phone, television, and the like. Nevertheless, it is interesting to take a look at a few of these ideas to see which really came to pass, and those which never materialized.

            As noted, “the tank” as described in the story illustrates the seemingly never ending supply of information contained in the digital world.  The thought of searching for the weather forecast, a mistress in the White House connected with a Presidential regime, and the premise that a machine could to math or act as a consultant for chemistry, physics, or astronomy, are truly factual in our day in age.  We can search for any topic and find mass amounts of information.  As described in the short story, our machines are literally connected and able to share this amount of information.  We have seen this in Friedman’s book, “The World is Flat” as he has described companies such as Napster which allowed this data file sharing.  Friedman also describes the flattening of the world through outsourcing, and dives deep into the demographics and economics of India, of whom have become the consultants and back office of many companies looking for cost and production efficiencies.

            As the story continues, it describes “Joe” as coming to life, or having a mind of its own.  I can see the thought process of someone in 1946 who was unsure if such a technology would ever exist.  Many times the unknown creates doubt and uncertainty.  Sure, there is excitement over a new way of doing something, but there are always thoughts and naysayers who are comfortable with the here and now.  Innovators, however, have no such fear.  We can see, many years later, that our machines have not come to life.  They do not search for information or broadcast details without being programmed to do so.  And the resultant information of our queries is not some trick played by the computer.  The amusing thought in the short story of giving advice for a wife killer, which would be different for a blonde or brunette, is simply that; amusing, but not true.

            Now, while the “logic” spitting back ideas from the “tank” is not how we search on the web, it does somewhat resemble communications with Siri.  If Siri is unable to decipher your question, which may not always be factual or understood, she will respond with somewhat of a personality.  Her tones and responses are not vicious, as Joe in the short story was described as well, but they do not always follow logic.  Siri can be humorous, or direct, depending on how you address her.  So in theory, she somewhat resembles Joe and the logic.

            Another somewhat prophetic part of the story is when Laurine is in the hotel searching for Ducky, the narrator of the story.  This is as if she is searching for a facebook friend, or someone’s Twitter handle or Instagram page.  He doesn’t go by his real name, so the logic cannot find him. Laurine tries a few different names, but he mentions he is home, but “in maintenance” because he doesn’t want to be pestered.  This is like being away or unavailable on IM or email.  Quite realistic in our day.

            The last part of the story gets into something near and dear to people’s heart; computer security and sensors.  Joe was described as giving out personal information including name, address, age, sex, charged amounts on credit cards, spouse, and more.  Even more so, Joe didn’t have a sensor, so the kids in the story were accessing content that was supposed to be restricted. We live in a world where our personal information can be distributed as described. However, we also have many controls to stop this dissemination of information for the protection of individuals.  However, strictly speaking, this along with the other instances described, are true events that take place in our day and age.  Interesting how one in 1946, without a clue of how reality would truly take place, could predict so closely how the information world would unfold.