Mind Machine Paper Assignment

Choose one of the following paper topics:

1. Turing Test: Give the best argument you can defending a position regarding this question: Is the Turing Test a good test for whether or not a machine can think? Address Daniel Dennett's Can Machines Think? analysis.

To do a good job, these questions will also need to be answered: What is a Turing Test? Is it a necessary or sufficient condition for consciousness? Why? What would it take to pass? What would it take to be conscious? What is Dennett's view? What is Turing's view? What are the differences between passing for human, having intentionality, being self-aware, having knowledge of certain topics, having emotions, having freedom, and being programmed with regard to the Turing Test? Is the test a better measure of some of these than others? Which capacities or attributes are essential for being able to think? Consider objections to your position and respond to them.

2. Folk Psychology: Give the best argument you can defending either ontological conservatism or ontological radicalism concerning folk psychology. Employ Ramsey, Stich, and Garon’s (RSG) explanations of the terms “ontological conservatism” and “ontological radicalism” and consider their argument concerning the future of folk psychology in “Connectionism, Eliminativism, and the Future of Folk Psychology” (in the Google Docs Readings Folder). Consider objections.

3. Searle's Chinese Room: Several types of response to Searle's argument have developed--the Virtual Mind response, the Robot Reply, the Systems Reply, and so on. Make a case for what you think is the strongest objection to Searle's argument that the Chinese Room doesn't understand the story. Consider the developments we have seen in artificial neural networks that have strikingly different properties from GOFAI systems. Does Searle's argument work against ANN systems? Cite your sources for the reply, develop the argument on their behalf, and even develop your own reply to Searle if you choose. If you think that even the strongest objection to Searle does not succeed in disproving his conclusion, then argue for that and defend Searle's argument.

Put your paper in your last name Mind Google Doc at the bottom with the subheading: Turing Test Paper, Folk Psychology Paper, or Chinese Room Paper. It should be at least 1000 words long, and free of spelling, grammar, and structure errors. See the Philosophy Department Writing Guidelines for more help. And your paper should conform to the How to Analyze a Philosophical Essay guidelines. It should be completed by Sunday, March 20 at 11:59 pm.