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Subject: Re: Karate or Kendo? Conclusion of Capablanca's Sacrifice

Author: STEPHEN A. BOAK

Date: 08:11:09 12/17/98

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This thread on Capablanca's Sacrifice is a shining example of how brain,
computer and software tools may be used to enhance human understanding of both
the game of chess as well as the tools themselves (their contributions and
limitations).

The search for truth in a chess position is enhanced when an inquiry is carried
out via a philosophical spirit that admits both the contributions and
limitations of the utilized tools.  This includes the brain, as well as the
computer and software.

Only the brain is able to discern (at times) when the computer and software
tools are accurately assessing a position, and when they are too limited to get
to the truth.  Karate or kendo?  The man or the sword?  The brain or the
program?  Which contributes the most, and how much?

In many other threads the posters argue with excessive vigor and vitriol their
conclusions regarding a software's strengths or weaknesses, or the assessment of
a position.  In threads like Capablanca's Sacrifice, the lines and reasoning of
each investigator and his software are offered quietly as results of scientific
investigation, as limited as the tools themselves may be, until a mind can weave
them all into a better understanding of the truth.

The truth thus achieved may not be absolute in all cases, but the inquiry serves
to sharpen our understanding of the chess position, our brains, and the computer
and software programs we use.  The improved understanding includes awareness of
limitations of our brains and other tools, an important matter.

Excellent work by Mr. Chen and all other posters!





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