First off, I've never used Google Answers before. I'm not sure what
type of answer I am going to get, so I have priced my question pretty
low. A great answer will get a great tip, to a maximum of $20.00.
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I have heard that Marvin Minsky basically defined the field of
artificial intelligence, and I have read his paper "Steps Towards
Artificial Intelligence" and his book "Society of Mind." What I don't
know is what it means to be a Minsky disciple. I've heard that
everything in AI today is either with him or against him; what does
this mean? What sort of research does a Minsky-ite do? How does a
Minsky detractor differ?

I'm not looking for biographical information about him; I'm looking
for clear and concise descriptions of the "camps" his work has caused,
and the beliefs of the people in these camps.

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Clarification of Question by ad409-ga on 15 Feb 2005 14:42 PST

Hi, 

I would like to know this sooner rather than later since it's impeding
my understanding of some other things I'm reading. I will tip for an
early response as well.

Thanks

Hello Ad409,

The main thing that Minsky continues to strive for is
  "common sense"
or perhaps more properly
  "computer based learning and reasoning"

There are a pair of references at Wired
  http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.08/view.html?pg=3
and
  http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,58714,00.html
that capture the gist positions of both sides [don't forget to read
Page 2...]. The other side might be characterized as
  "pragmatists"
or
  "tool makers / job aids"
which work to produce useful products now and do not necessarily learn
about the world and come up with surprising solutions to problems.

There are a number of blogs that comment on one or both of these
articles and go into more detail. Try a simple search like
  minsky ai
to find several like
  http://robots.net/article/895.html

I look at both sides quite simply since they both have advantages and
disadvantages. Minsky's solution is much more open ended and may be
solved by systems like cyc, described briefly (and another view of the
two paths of AI...) at
  http://www.robotwisdom.com/ai/cyc.html
The other approach tends to produce solutions that you can use now
(sounds practical to me...) but those solutions are much more limited
in domain.

Good luck with your research. If there is something more specific
about the two approaches, please make a clarification request.
  --Maniac
?

Hi maniac, 

I guess I was looking for a more advanced analysis, but given the
$4.00 price, in light of the Google Answers Pricing Guide I think you
did a pretty good job. Thanks for your help, I will look elsewhere for
the type of answer I need.

If a quick response is indeed important, then you might want to
revisit the price you've offered.

[Google Answers Pricing Guidelines]
http://answers.google.com/answers/pricing.html

A Question at the current price level would ordinarily be one that can
be answered with a single link or brief sentence.

You'll likely improve the chance of getting a quick but satisfactory
Answer if you define more precisely what you are looking for.  The
current phrasing sounds like multiple essay-style questions, and the
"meaning" of anything (esp. of being a disciple) can be quite a
subjective topic.

For example, more refined questions of possible interest could be:

  - Which of Minsky's contributions to AI are considered most controversial?
  - Are there groups or institutions which proclaim themselves as
carrying the banner for the "Minsky tradition"?
  - Are there groups or institutions which proclaim, possibly in a
subtler way, their opposition to Minsky's approach to AI?
  - What individuals best personify the continuation of Minsky's work?
 the disputes over his work?

It is conceivable that a Researcher or a Commenter may take a special
interest in your Question as written (and as priced) and provide
exactly what you have in mind in the way of an Answer.  However it
might be expeditious if you gave a clearer indication of what you
want.

regards, mathtalk-ga