Multiple choice

The passage ____________________.

Directions: The passage below is followed by a question based on its content. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

A zero-ended rationalism about computers is that "they only do what they are programmed to". The reasoning goes something like this: If one incorporates into a computer the capability to recognise the meaning and function of the symbols representing 'two', 'multiply' and 'equals to' then it would have no problem solving the equation : 2 x 2 =?

But how different is this really from what a child learns in grade school? It's exactly the same. There can definitely be no propensity in certain children to be better in maths than others since arithmetic even at a lowly human level is, after all, only an acquired trait and acquired traits are not inherited.
Similarly, if a computer could be made to intimately internalize the moves, strengths and positional advantages of pieces like the Queen or the Bishop, it should have no problem creaming Kasparov as it would also have the added advantage of number crunching to check out moves so many zillions of nano-seconds in advance.

However, what has been missing so far in the environment of a computer and why it required so many avatars of IBM's Deep Blue programme to outwit our number one grand-master, is the role of a family and the nurture it provides for a potential predisposition. This is because genetically, some children could have stronger musculature to become better cricketers or actors but only when given the necessary ambient training. The answer therefore lies not in suddenly blitzing a super computer's hardware memory and logic bank its equivalent of musculature with the rules, and strategy's of some table game but to bring it home as a baby.

Over the years, fostered by gentle but continuous inputs it would be able to assimilate the secret innuendoes of a game, for instance like bridge, and learn to play it with class instead of simply knowing all possible probabilities of a given hand to the n-th card-played.

  1. brings out the difference between humans and computers

  2. gives a plausible argument for integrating computers with society

  3. is meaningless and gives little useful knowledge

  4. brings out the difference between classroom training and computer training

  5. mainly emphasizes the difference in intellectual and emotional pursuits
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Through this passage the author tries to prepare a case for bridging gap between the computers and society and gives ways, which shall help bridge the gap. The last few lines of the passage make it quite evident. Thus, the best answer choice is option (2)

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