why automation | niyeotomasyonyaniniyeyani

the question continues to linger (thus asks my temporary supervisor) :

but, why automation?

i usually refrain from giving a direct answer. i give some political explanations reminiscent of the situationists which hold some portion of truth (yea automation might be good, my argument through dishwasher). and point towards growing academic and economic interests (more and more intelligent-design-software will flood the market).

but indeed, though vaguely, i can discern why; why this fascination with artificial intelligence, computation, perception, cognitive science, consciousness; why this eagerness to imitate a portion of human behavior which is allegedly a peculiarity of the human being (i.e design activity).

it is just an assault towards the last fortress defending against complete disenchantment. nothing is special about human mind. indeed there is nothing special about anything. this is the researcher as positivist and nihilist. (two in one? don't go too far researcher!)