24.09 Minds and Machines (24.09)

This paper builds an argument in support of the extended mind thesis based on the work and ideas of Clark and Chalmers. Based on the prompt: "What is the Extended Mind Thesis (EMT)? Describe the Inga/Otto examples, and explain why Clark and Chalmers take them to motivate EMT. Next, offer your own objection to EMT. How might Clark and Chalmers reply to this objection? Is their reply successful?"

This essay considers several objections to the Turing test as a measure of intelligence, then offers responses from the perspective of Alan Turing. Based on the prompt: "Explain the Imitation Game, and the associated idea of the Turing Test. Why does Turing think that this is a good test for intelligence? Turing discusses a number of objections to the possibility of AI. Either (i) give a new objection that Turing doesn’t consider, and discuss how Turing might reply to it, or (ii) raise a pro...

This essay considers the ideas of B.F. Skinner and Noam Chomsky about methodological behaviorism. Based on prompt: "What is Methodological Behaviorism? Describe Skinner’s attempt to analyze human verbal behavior within the behaviorist framework. Next, discuss one or two of Chomsky’s objections to Skinner. How do you think Skinner might reply to Chomsky’s objection(s)? Are the replies successful?"

Based on Prompt: "Explain the distinction between Phenomenal (P-) Consciousness and Access (A-) Consciousness. Next, describe Block's superblindsight case and explain how he uses it to argue for the conceptual possibility of A-Consciousness without P-Consciousness. Finally, describe the pneumatic drill example and explain why Block takes it to support the possibility of P-Consciousness without A-Consciousness."

This essay explores a few common views on whether the mind is distinct from the body and gives a specific argument for dualism. It is based on the following prompt: "Explain the following views: monism, dualism, and physicalism. Next, reconstruct Descartes’ conceivability argument for substance dualism. Be sure to explain each premise in your own words."