A Logic Name Joe

Out of all of the readings in this class, this has been the most enjoyable for me! (And I have thoroughly enjoyed reading “The World is Flat”.)  It is almost a stupid statement to say, the world is not the same as it was 5 years ago because it is quite apparent when we read about the lack of Google, Microsoft Word, and printers to name a few in previous generations. However, there are many factors that play into the idea of a changed world.  For the younger generation all we have ever known is technology.  We have had answers at our fingertips (and because of the easiness of getting responses, laziness has set in and we cease to seek, we just accept what we have been given.)  Factors that play into the world’s constant change are many; in the short story, “A Logic Named Joe” many of these factors are presented and the change that comes from them is quite humorous.

            The first 5 paragraphs of the story were ironically confusing.  I had a difficult time understanding just what the logic was that ‘Ducky’ was talking about.  The feeling of not understanding and being in somewhat of a fog is, I am sure, quite relatable to individuals who are not as familiar with computers.  They are machines that function and can complete certain tasks, but to get it to turn on is even a feat they are unwilling to learn and try.  It is a mystery as to what it really is and what it can accomplish-this is how I began feeling toward logic.   But as I read on I realized logic was actually a computer.  The logic, or Joe, as he now refers to him, has humanly attributes in Ducky’s mind.  Joe can think independently and is more intelligent than the average man…by far. 

            The importance of this concept of a computer having humanly attributes comes because of the way we treat our technology today.  To many adults and teens a cell phone receives more of our attention than literal human beings whom we can actually connect to, if we simply spend time with them.  After pondering on this idea I began realizing technology is so important to us because it seems to understand our problems, but never informs us of our weaknesses and never gives us specific instructions.  It doesn’t get offended if we fail to perform a duty. In short, it will listen to every bit of us, but we only have to listen to it as much as we desire.  The problem is, when we do listen to its responses, the answers are so logical that one of two things happens:  we don’t do it because it’s too easy, or it’s irrational, both ending in not accomplishing anything.  Granted, this is not the only outcome, there are many tasks accomplished successfully because of computer’s answers to problems, but that is because another human (most commonly unknown to the inquirer) attached it to the Internet. 

            Another irony in the history of Joe was his ability to entertain both adults and children.  The Korlanovitch children are the perfect example of how young minds are able to grasp technology quickly.  They used Joe to watch their favorite movie whenever they had a free moment.  When the children weren’t occupying Joe, the parents used him to find answers to the deepest questions of their souls; including, neighborhood gossip, how to get rich, etc.  The realization of a computer’s vast ability to entertain and provide a different life-style is the greatest theme of the story.  Whether it is a better life-style is up to the reader.  How the technology is used also plays a major factor.  Suddenly security and safety are at risk due to information availability.  Children have answers to any question they may have, and it may be researched in such privacy that trouble is bound to happen.  However, the positives of its vast amount of information outweigh the negatives.  Too much education and connection between individuals can be made to even think about removing the great robot, who some call Joe.