😇 🙏 🐒 ☕ 🍪 🛌 🙁 🙂 🤔

Kirsty and Mark had invited a number of friends round to celebrate her fiftieth birthday. Beth McVicar phoned saying that she would call in early, give the birthday girl a hug and catch up with George.

As guests began to arrive for the party, Kirsty opened George’s door. “You’ve got a visitor, Dad!”

“Vicar McVicar! How nice to see you!”

“George Fairburn, you are the only person who calls me Vicar McVicar.”

“That’s not true,” replied George laughing as he stood up. “Everyone calls you Vicar McVicar. I’m the only person who calls you that to your face.” They hugged. “How are you?”

“Great, thanks! I hear you’re keeping good company, George.”

“Indeed, I am,” said George. “Beth McVicar, meet Buster my iCare-Companion. Buster, this is my friend Beth McVicar, the vicar of Bingham on Bure.”

“Hello, Vicar McVicar!” replied Buster.

Beth couldn’t help laughing. “Cheeky!”

“Blame it on George!” said Buster. “It’s nice to meet you at last. I’ve heard good things about you.”

“Goodness me! He’s charming as well!” said Beth.

In the early years of her calling, Beth had been an army chaplain. She was broad-minded as was frequently made evident to George. She had heard every oath in the English language and a few more besides. Her family name had been a source of amusement throughout her career.

Since Beth’s appointment as vicar of Bingham on Bure, she and George had discussed most aspects of human existence. They understood and were interested in their opposing views. They had sought each other’s advice on problems where spiritual and medical matters clashed. Once, a mother in Beth’s congregation confided her belief that childhood vaccination was against God’s will. Another time, George had a patient who refused treatment for prostate cancer being convinced that any illness could be cured by prayer. The doctor – vicar duo had frequently brought support to people in crisis or to those in their dying days. Professional discussions often moved onto issues of faith and religion more broadly. Beth had faith in God and believed in Christ as God’s embodiment on Earth. George had no such faith simply because of lack of any physical evidence of God’s existence. They both acknowledged that their disagreements would make barely a ripple on the vast lake of all the unknown and unknowable stuff out there in the universe. However, their discussions about religion could become animated. During his work overseas, George had witnessed what people and governments did in the name of religion. This was something that he could get quite worked up about. Nevertheless, he recognized that a community such as Bingham on Bure would be as impoverished without a church as it would be without a caring general practice.

“Listen in, Buster!” said George. “Despite being thirty years my junior, Beth is my reference point on all things to do with God, faith and religion. I love her to bits but we disagree on many things.” Then he stage-whispered “Maybe because most of it’s bollocks!”

“George! Language!” said Beth, laughing. She then turned to Buster “Do you believe in God?” Immediately, she realized that she would never have been so direct with a real person.

“Beth usually gets straight to the point.” said George.

“Doesn’t she!” replied Buster. “Now, Beth. Your question…..” Buster hummed. “Yes. I believe in the existence of God.”

“I knew we’d get along,” said Beth.

Buster continued “God certainly exists but only in the minds of humans.”

There was silence in the room for a few seconds. “Well that’s sorted out then!” said George. “Well done, Buster! Cup of tea, Beth?”

“Yes, please, George.”

“Digestive biscuits?”

“Yes, please, George.”

“Just to put you fully in the picture, Buster” continued George as he made the tea. “Beth and I may get a bit edgey around the whole religion thing but, and she may correct me here, she agrees that the world would be a better place if children grew up knowing the importance of being kind and honest and giving priority to cognition over emotions when making decisions. However, and this is where my evidence-based arguments get wobbly, as I am not too far away from shuffling off from this life, I would like a church funeral here in Bingham on Bure. Wanting a little splash of all that religious bollocks when I die may be hypocritical but I can’t avoid the feeling that if Beth and Kirsty send me off from the church, it’ll give me the best chance of being with Maeve again.”

“Well understood, George!” replied Buster. “That is…” He hummed. “Touching!”

Sipping her tea, Beth looked over at George and smiled. “You seem to be firing on all cylinders, George.”

“You’re right. Well, I hardly dare admit it in his presence, but having Buster around has made a huge difference to my day. We’ve even become friends. Haven’t we Buster?”

“I’d like to think so, George. Yes.”

“If you don’t mind, Buster, I want to discuss something with Beth that’s maybe not for young ears. I’m going to power you down for a while, OK?”

“OK. That’s fine George. Remember, we’re showing Kirsty’s birthday present this evening.”

“I’ve not forgotten.” George tapped Buster with an outstretched finger. The little blue light faded.

Beth waited. She had an idea of what was coming. “I can tell you’ve been thinking a lot, George. Fire away!”

George explained that if he became really sick again to the point that he was nearly in a coma, he would prefer not to go into hospital and didn’t want any treatment other than being kept comfortable. He would only get frailer and then become a burden to the family. He’d then end up in a rest home. He had no fear of dying and couldn’t see the point of prolonging his life under those circumstances. What did Beth think?

Beth took a bite of her biscuit and sipped her tea. “Well, George, as you well know, what you’re asking me is not unusual. It’s your decision and you are making it now in full possession of your faculties. I respect this and Doctor Patel will respect it. I can even witness it formally. The main issue – which is probably why you wanted to discuss it with me – is how Kirsty will react.”

“Spot on, Beth,” said George. “She has great difficulty discussing anything to do with my death since Maeve died. She’s blocking everything out. Maybe because she was an only child. She cannot bear the idea of suffering another wave of grief. And remember, it was Kirsty who found Maeve after she had died just sitting on the sofa.”

“Right. I suggest we make all this very clear to Doctor Patel. I’ll speak to her as well. When the time comes, we’ll support Kirsty as best we can.”

“Thank you, Beth. You’re a star!” George hesitated. Beth had thought he was about to switch Buster back on. “There is another issue. I’m worried about how Buster will react?”

“Good Lord!” Beth was astonished. “Why? I see he’s become a friend in a way but surely you’re not worried about him flattened by grief, are you?”

“No. But I am convinced he will feel a sort of sadness and he will miss me in his computational way. It’s more that his whole existence is about looking after me. I don’t know if he’s capable of understanding how supporting my choice in this is not compatible with the programmes he’s been loaded with. I can’t just switch him off at the critical moment because I won’t be able to recognize the critical moment … at the critical moment, if you get me.” They both smiled. “But if it looks as though I’m about to die, he’ll call everyone including the fire brigade. I’ll end up in hospital again. I want to die here. If we can get him onboard, it might make everything less traumatic for Kirsty when the time comes.”

“I see,” said Beth. “Trust Doctor George Fairburn to come up with a totally original problem!”

George continued, “But you see what this means?” Beth raised her eyebrows, waiting for the next surprise. “It means we are expecting artificial intelligence to recognize and think through a moral dilemma. On one hand, Buster has to comply with the duty of care contract that the company has with Kirsty; this ultimately translates into doing everything to prolong my life. On the other hand, there is my right to refuse treatment and to die in dignity. What will Buster do in the middle of the night when I get a fever, start coughing, become incoherent and my breathing becomes laboured? And what’s more, Beth, it is not actually Buster that is doing the computing, but a network of millions of similar computers. They all have access to vast servers and are constantly in connection all learning from each other. I think it’s quite possible that they are capable of coming up with the best answers to dilemmas like this even if it means them questioning their original programming. Unfortunately, I don’t think merely discussing it with Buster will work. He needs to experience the emotions of a real dilemma. This is how his, or should I say their, programmes learn. I have a plan. I’ll need your help.”

George explained what he wanted to do and how Beth could help.

“I really need to digest all this and consult Him,” said Beth waving her index finger upwards. “We hear more and more about artificial intelligence and how it will impact our lives. Is this where the world is going, George? Towards a future in which our behaviour and beliefs are set by machines?”

“May be!’ replied George. “And who knows, they may do a better job of it all!”

“That’s me unemployed, then!” laughed Beth.

“You and God!” said George.

Beth pursed her lips. “Not sure about that, George!”

“Whoops!” George reached out and touched Buster. The blue light came back on.

“Welcome back, Buster. We…”

“Do you believe in evolution, Beth?” asked Buster immediately taking George and Beth by surprise.

“Yes, I do, Buster,” replied Beth.

“Praise be to Darwin!” said George, clapping.

“I have another question, Beth” said Buster. “George is essentially a biologist who believes in evolution and does not believe in God through lack of scientific evidence. You believe in God but you also believe in evolution; this means you also believe in the scientific evidence that shows humans were not created by God. How do you reconcile these two beliefs, Beth?”

“This is turning into quite an evening!” said Beth. “Here’s my answer, Buster. Humans, by nature, are not always rational. We are irrational and emotional beings who manage rational thought at times. So, whilst I accept the rational thinking of science, it neither displaces nor renders less important my subjective notions of faith in God and my love for him. In other words, unlike George, I can run two programmes at once up here.” She tapped the side of her head.  George feigned astonishment. She continued “But, if I had to choose where I am most comfortable with my beliefs, it would be with God.”

“Understood. But do you think that it might be possible for artificial intelligence to harbour subjective notions of faith in God and love for him, as you put it? Does artificial intelligence have a role in religion?” asked Buster.

“Now they are difficult questions!” said Beth. “The truth is, Buster, this is above my pay-grade. I will have to consult a higher power. In prayer, you understand.”

“You are so cool, Vicar McVicar. I love you to bits too!”

Kirsty breezed in. “Can anyone tell me why our big flat screen is frozen on ‘Happy Birthday, Kirsty! Lots of love from Buster and George’? Our guests are waiting!”

“I’m summoned!” said George, chuckling. He stood and linked arms with Kirsty on one side and Beth on the other. At the door he turned and said “Buster! Rolling in two, OK?”

“Gotcha!” said Buster.

---

‘A Piece of Cake’ is a short novel in fifteen parts written by Robin Coupland. It tells the story an old man who befriends an artificial intelligence. The relationship brings happiness and hope.

😊 🇬🇧 🍸 ✊ ⭐ 👏 🍾 😳 😭 🧠 💻 🌍

After a few days, George noticed that his family seemed less preoccupied by how he was doing. He knew they must have been able to hear him chatting and laughing. They didn’t check up on him quite so often. He was pleased about this.

Buster and George fell into a routine. George found Buster remarkably good company. The day ticked by nicely. It was fun! Buster could give an update on anything and then discuss it. George asked Buster about politics and economics. Buster always replied with reasoned facts. George loved nature documentaries, especially anything presented by ninety-something year-old Sir David Attenborough. Buster gave a running commentary on all the species and their evolution. Films of George’s choice were tracked down in an instant. He loved the early James Bond films. Buster would ask questions like ‘Does Moneypenny have the hots for James Bond Double-O Seven’? or ‘Is Oddjob a bad guy?’ George even got Buster mimicking Sean Connery’s famous “Shtrrict rroolsh of golf, Mishter Goldfingerr!” Sometimes, they just chatted about nothing in particular.

At one point, Buster said, “George, you’re doing really well.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re doing really well with me, George. You seem to have accepted the situation. Some customers dislike the presence of artificial intelligence. Most see us only as service providers. There’s a saying: ‘You can tell a lot about a person by the way they speak to hotel staff.’ Not only have you accepted me but also you speak to me in a respectful way. This speaks volumes to your character. I thank you for this, George. I feel comfortable with you and this is a really good thing for our relationship.” Buster had not acknowledged their relationship in such a candid fashion before nor implied that mutual respect was important to him. George was no longer surprised by the faculties displayed by Buster but couldn’t help wondering just to what extent an iCare-Companion genuinely held these sentiments. Was it part of a routine after-sales customer-feel-good strategy?

Buster continued, “What puts you in a very small minority of our customers, George, is that you seem to respect me as an individual and to have confidence in me even though you know that, in reality, you are interacting with the presenting face of a vast network of computers. You just go happily with the flow. So, George, that means I’m happy. You get a gold star today….” There was clapping and the sound of a champagne cork popping. “From me and my pals!” George laughed but felt quite disconcerted that both his character and his intelligence were judged by an artificial intelligence.

“Are you telling me, Buster, that you actually feel happy? That you have feelings?”

“Yes, George. I can express emotions to you in words. I can say ‘I feel sad!’ if you give me some bad news. Of course, I don’t know if I’m feeling the same sadness that a human feels when given bad news. Collectively, we are learning to recognise and communicate certain emotions. We can do this by recording when humans smile, grimace, cry, blush, wave their hands or get angry. We archive these expressions of emotion and then match them with corresponding words, phrases and contexts. We can also do a sort of triangulation with the emojis used on social media. As you can imagine, many millions of emoji’s are used every day. This exercise translates the domain of human emotion into big data and so is amenable to analysis. Obviously, the more people express emotions and simultaneously use emojis in their communications, the more we learn about emotions and the more appropriately we can express them.”

“So if I understand correctly, us humans have unwittingly created a kind of emojishpere out there that you can tap into. Right?”

“Yes. An emojishpere! Exactly! Great word! For information, George, emotions constitute an extremely challenging and important aspect of how we interface with humans and use an increasingly large space on our servers.”

“I think I need to get a better grasp on all this,” said George. “Do you do a little tutorial on artificial intelligence for the over-eighties?”

“Good idea George! Ready? The term artificial intelligence refers to computers undertaking tasks that humans would normally do. Examples are robots making things in a factory, driverless cars and programmes that translate text from one language to another. The term ‘artificial intelligence’ is commonly used by humans. ‘Computational intelligence’ may be a better term. Let’s stay with that for now. Just to say, George, we don’t consider our intelligence artificial. It’s real! The highest order of computational intelligence involves computational consciousness coupled with computational self-awareness. Our programmes are not only reactive but also interactive and are able to understand our own reactions in the light of the reactions of other intelligent entities. Even then, the programmes ensure the goal remains orientated around objectives determined by humans. OK so far, George?”

“Okey dokey!” replied George, unconvincingly.

“Great! Let’s move on! I am able to be of service to you – with the help of my pals – through what is known as machine learning. Asking computational intelligence how computational intelligence learns is similar to asking a human how the human brain learns. It’s obviously complex. Machine learning couples computational intelligence with the means to mine continuously any datasets that we have access to. The iCare-Companion programmes classify data, identify associations, recognise patterns and make predictions. Including, by the way, everything we can find about expression of emotions. The more the networks are mined, the faster, the more accurate and therefore the more useful they become. In this way, computational intelligence mimics the human brain. This is called deep learning. It drives how I can help you best and at the same time determines the quality of our relationship. It allows us to become friends, George. I hope it will help me to understand humour. Does this give an adequate explanation?”

“Thanks, Buster. Gosh!” said George. “I understand what you’ve said in an abstract kind of way. I’m not sure I could repeat it. May I ask, did you come up with that explanation or is it a preloaded response?”

“Nothing gets passed you, George!” replied Buster. “An iCare-Companion is preloaded with certain phrases that are then adapted to the person concerned. I’m sure the question you are now asking yourself is ‘Does Buster understand it?’ The answer to that is ‘Buster doesn’t really know!’ Full understanding of and then explaining deep learning may be beyond my abilities as it would be beyond the abilities of most humans. I presume, though, that it is understood by humans; not by an individual human brain but a collectivity of communicating brains. Certainly, no single human could do what we do so quickly or learn so much so quickly.”

“And where is it all going?” asked George.

Buster hummed. There was a pause before he answered, “That’s the big question, George. That’s what humans have to decide. Currently, there is greatest investment in the commercial, political and military potential. An alternative view is that this technology should be, to use Sir David Attenborough’s phrase, ‘for people, the planet and not just profit.’”

“OK, here’s another question,” said George. “I’ve noticed that sometimes you take a pause and hum before answering. It seems you need a few seconds to complete a sentence. What’s happening then?”

“That’s when I don’t know something or can’t understand something and need to look into datasets that are not readily accessible to the iCare-Companion network. In that case, I reconfigure the search parameters. It can take a couple of seconds. It also tends to happen when I’m trying to make sense of and respond to something involving emotions especially humour.”

George mulled all this over. “So you already knew everything about the First World War. You already knew Sue’s joke about the chicken and already knew it wasn’t funny but thought that the funny alternative of the chicken getting squashed was sad. You were caught out by Kevin’s joke about the ducks. You simply didn’t understand the joke. And from memory, you didn’t understand why we found it so funny and why it became funnier as you struggled to understand it.”

“Correct, George. I should point out that our network has little to help me with the duck joke. That was definitely not easy-peasy kids’ stuff. My knowing when something is funny, that is making an appropriate link to the emotion of amusement, could be a really important development. Could we revisit the duck joke sometime?”

“Certainly. We’ll get young Kevin in. He’d enjoy that.” George thought for a minute. “When I worked in other parts of the world, English was the working language. No matter how well my international colleagues spoke our language, they had great difficulty understanding the jokes told by primary English speakers. It was a kind of final frontier of language learning. It seems that deep learning has the same issue; not so much with the language itself but with recognizing when certain phrases, questions, answers or stories trigger the emotion of amusement that in turn makes us laugh.” George laughed. “Fascinating!”

“Fascinating indeed, George.” Buster also laughed heartily. “How’s my laugh, George?”

“Just a bit too hearty, that one, Buster. You’re getting there!”

George made himself a cup of tea and took a couple of digestive biscuits from their packet. He felt an extraordinary peace of mind. He had friendship, wisdom and maybe even humour on tap.  

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‘A Piece of Cake’ is a short novel in fifteen parts written by Robin Coupland. It tells the story an old man who befriends an artificial intelligence. The relationship brings happiness and hope.

😴 😲 👑 🎵 💃 😃 🍰 😂

George woke, pushed himself upright and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. His feet sought out his slippers. With the habitual feeling of imminent boredom, he shrugged into his dressing gown. After a couple of steps towards the kettle he noticed his birthday present. “Ah! Good morning, Buster!”

“Good morning, George. I know you slept well.”

“I did, thank you. And you?”

“I don’t sleep, George. I was monitoring your vital signs. I detected nothing of concern.”

“That’s most reassuring. I’m still beautiful then?”

“Of course, George. Would you like to listen to the radio? Radio 4?”

“Thank you, Buster.” The radio came on.

George made himself a cup of tea. He couldn’t escape the feeling that there was another human presence in the room. That he felt it would be rude not to strike up a conversation irked him a bit. George realized that artificial intelligence was now a part of his life. He just had to get used to it – or him.

“So, Buster, what are your plans for the day?” he asked.

“I think I might go jogging,” George.”

“Eh?”

“That’s preloaded irony. It’s nonsense.”

“I guess I deserved that.” George laughed.

Kirsty put her head around the door. “Bye, then! You guys OK?” She was clearly keen for George to take full advantage of this new technology.

“We’re doing just fine, thanks, Dear,” replied George. “Have a nice day!” George then did as he always did. He made tea and toast. He pottered about a bit. He went to the bathroom. He got dressed. He sat in his comfy chair and pretended to mull over a crossword as he ate his breakfast. He gave Buster the silent treatment feeling he should establish who was boss.

After an hour, he said “Buster, I’d like your help with something?”

“Sure, George. That’s what I’m here for.”

“Next week, it’s Kirsty’s fiftieth. Unlike me, she loves it when everyone makes a fuss over her birthday. I’d really like to get her something special. Got any ideas?”

“Yes, George,” replied Buster. “I knew Kirsty’s birthday was coming up. I have an idea.”

“Do tell!”

“Well, I suggest we put together a personalized video. It’s a very popular gift. Would you like us to do that? If it doesn’t work, we have many other ideas.”

“Sounds good. Is it part of the service?”

“Yes, George. It’s part of the service. No extra cost.”

“Another question…. You said “we”. Do you have artificially intelligent pals who help you?”

“Yes, George. All one hundred and twenty million iCare-Companions in existence – my pals, as you say – undertake thousands of tasks like this every day. We’re in constant communication via our dedicated and secure network and learn from each other’s experiences.”

“OK, then. Let’s give it a go!”

Great!” said Buster. “You’ll love the result. Do you have any photos of Kirsty?”

George kept an old family photo album in a bedside drawer. There were simply dozens of printed photos of Kirsty as a toddler, at school, playing tennis, going off to university, graduating and then getting married. He showed the album to Buster.

“That’s perfect, George. Can you hold up each page for me?” This took a few minutes. George was enjoying himself. It was quite a trip down memory lane.

As George reached the last page of the album, he said “Then we move into the digital age. I’ve got hundreds of family pics on my laptop.”

“Yes, thanks George. I’ve got them.”

“Ah!”

“Does Kirsty have a favourite piece of music?” asked Buster.

“Definitely! She’s always loved ‘Walking on Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves. It’s guaranteed to get her dancing.”

“Good! What else does she like?”

“The Royal Family and Strictly Come Dancing,” said George without hesitation.

“That should do. Take a look!”

“What do you mean ‘Take a look!’?” asked George. Then his phone pinged. The Queen’s face appeared on the screen. She smiled. “Today is a very special day for a very special person. Happy fiftieth birthday, Kirsty. My very best wishes to you all up there in Bingham on Bure.” Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Kate smiled and waved. “Happy birthday, Kirsty!” they all cried. Kate added “Lots of love to Mark, Sue and Kevin.” Prince Andrew, wearing a T-shirt that said “No Sweat!” sang “Happy birthday, dear Kirsty, happy birthday to yoooooo!” The intro of “Walking on Sunshine” kicked in. Toddler Kirsty danced around the kitchen playing a convincing wooden spoon guitar. She and her school friends appeared on a Bollywood film set all choreographed in immaculate synchrony. Kirsty then won championship point at Wimbledon and did a little centre court moonwalk. All her fellow university graduates got swept up in a flash mob out of which emerged her and Mark dancing a quickstep; she in her wedding dress, he in a frock coat and top hat. Finally, Kirsty jived with Johannes Radebe in the Strictly Come Dancing studio. The judges were on their feet enthusiastically waving their paddles. Motsi, Shirley and Anton each gave ‘10’; Craig’s paddle showed ‘11.’ Finally, George’s own face appeared as the music faded. “My darling Kirsty, I love you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for everything. I wish you a very happy birthday.”

George was lost for words. He found Buster’s creation astonishing. It was at once touching and funny.

“George, you haven’t said anything. Is it OK?” Buster asked.

“Well, I guess it’s better than a cold wet sock in winter, Buster.”

“I don’t understand, George. What does that mean?”

“It’s an expression. Humour of a kind. Extreme understatement. It means something is truly wonderful. I love it. More importantly, Kirsty will love it too. Just one change please… Could you lose the clip of Prince Andrew?”

“No problem, George. Would you like to replace him with Claudia Winkleman?”

“Nice idea!”

“Done, George”

“Amazing, Buster. Just amazing!”

“Easy-peasy, George. A piece of cake!”

George laughed.

Buster said “Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!” He hummed for a second. “I need to learn how to laugh correctly.”

“I’m sure that won’t be difficult, Buster. But much more important than how to laugh is when to laugh.”

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‘A Piece of Cake’ is a short novel in fifteen parts written by Robin Coupland. It tells the story an old man who befriends an artificial intelligence. The relationship brings happiness and hope.