58 minutes ago, Peterkin said:

I don't think you can program in the random replication errors that result in new strains of organic behaviour.

I think I can program in random replication errors. Maybe I don't understand what you mean here  

On 4/16/2022 at 8:27 PM, Genady said:

I've read today in a recent book on Artificial intelligence this statement:

"a brain is a computational machine that happens  to be made of neurons."

(Stone, James. Artificial Intelligence Engines: A Tutorial Introduction to the Mathematics of Deep Learning (p. 183), 2020.)

Is brain a "computational machine"? If so, in what sense?

Although brain function may appear computational, computation is not what drives its functional matrix.  What the brain is or isn't is likely more closely aligned with the biological engine at the basis of brain function.  That engine is homestasis, which means the brain's functional output is driven by its metabolic equillibrium.    

5 hours ago, Genady said:

I think I can program in random replication errors.

In that case, you can create a race of mad robots. Might not be a good idea, though!

3 minutes ago, Peterkin said:

In that case, you can create a race of mad robots. Might not be a good idea, though!

Yes, this is a known concern.