On the other hand ...

This column, like many strange things in the modern world, was conceived in an email exchange. Someone said to an editor: "why not have a regular lighthearted column on AI topics?" The editor said: "what an excellent idea, and when will we get the first manuscript?" and the first person said: "oh but I didn't volunteer;" and the editor said: "listen, buddy, I can make your life very uncomfortable if I don't get some cooperation. We go to press next week." While looking for something to give him, we stumbled on this old manuscript, written years ago (with our esteemed colleague Neil Agnew, the Duke of York). Ever had an old sock that you try to throw away, but keep finding in the bottom of a drawer? This is a bit like that. Come to think of it, so is the frame problem. Anyway, you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs, so here is our first reflection. It's a variation on an old, old story ....