Philosophy 4610 Spring 2008

Philosophy of Mind

  Reading Questionnaire #7

  Due: Tuesday, March 25

  Please answer each question in 2-4 sentences.

1. In Blade Runner, "replicants" that look and act human-like are capable of deceiving humans into thinking they are really capable of thought, intelligence, and consciousness.  Are they really capable of these things?  What do you think Turing would say?  What do you think? 

2. According to Searle, it is not possible for a computer or a similar rule-following system to genuinely think.  Why not?  Do you find Searle's argument against "Strong AI" plausible?  Why or why not?