We're getting there: >Could a Computer Take Over? >Ed Rush, 1977 "Just how ridiculous IS the idea of a computer deciding to take over the world and be its di

We're getting there: >Could a Computer Take Over? >Ed Rush, 1977 "Just how ridiculous IS the idea of a computer deciding to take over the world and be its dictator? Upon hearing this question, most people who are not computer oriented will laugh and say "That's only in science fiction stories." They will be much more likely to complain about "becoming a number," with everyone from the grocery store to the government wanting their number instead of their name. Those who are more familiar with computers will laugh off the concept and charge it to paranoia due to ignorance. "A computer is little more than a lot of wires conducting currents here and there," they will say. "Besides, if it-gets uppity you can always pull the plug." However, that group of people who are both computer knowledgeable and fans of the art form known as science fiction, but more properly called speculative fiction, might ask "Can you always pull the plug? Could a computer really seize the reins of government? And if so, how ?" In trying to answer these last questions, let us first speculate on the capabilities the computer itself would have to have. "