From Computer Power and Human Reason response

The excerpt from the book From Computer Power and Human Reason, gives a very interesting perspective into Joseph Weizenbaum's conversational computer program ELIZA, as well as some more ethical questions regarding the progression of technology and the ability they have to reproduce human capabilities. Weizenbaum was especially surprised when practicing psychiatrists actually suggested one day using an automated machine like ELIZA to treat patients. I, like Weizenbaum, would seriously question this idea of using technology to act as a healer, because I believe there is more to the healing process than a simple technique that can be used to uncover emotional and mental problems. The connection that a therapist and patient is one of many examples that is impossible to emulate with technology. It is scary to think that people can form such close emotional bonds to machines and begin to views them as beings with the capacity for empathy and other human emotions. As technology continues to evolve, it will become harder and harder to preserve some jobs and activities which are suited for humans because of the economic benefits that a computer could have. Pretty soon I can envision a world where computers are a significant part of the workforce.