Are there things computers and AI should never do, even if they could? In this week’s episode, we discuss this question and take a look at Joseph Weizenbaum’s book “Computer Power and Human Reason” (1976). We learn about his famous chatbot ELIZA, the difference between deciding and choosing, and what Weizenbaum envisioned for Computer Science education. We notice connections to other thinkers we have discussed in earlier episodes, and before we know it, it feels like we are standing behind a crime scene evidence board, with red strings connecting the thoughts by Peter Naur, Gilbert Ryle, and Joseph Weizenbaum! Felienne picks another tattoo-worthy quote (spoiler: it’s about speaking to each other in silence!). In the end, Hanna pours her heart out to ELIZA and complains about Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT.

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