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Computing machinery and mentality
1School of Electronic Engineering, Dublin City University, Ireland. mcmullin@eeng.dcu.ie
Brain and Cognition
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Computationalism, the idea that mentality arises from abstract machine computation, is widely doubted but still lacks strong counterarguments. Its status remains undecided, potentially offering a valid research framework.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Mind
- Cognitive Science
- Artificial Intelligence
Background:
- Computationalism posits that mentality is equivalent to realizing an abstract machine.
- This doctrine, also known as weak functionalism, is currently viewed as largely discredited in academic circles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the current standing of computationalism.
- To critically assess the arguments against computationalism, particularly Searle's Chinese Room Argument and Popper's Open Universe theory.
Main Methods:
- Reconsideration of the philosophical arguments for and against computationalism.
- Critical analysis of John Searle's Chinese Room Argument.
- Examination of relevant aspects of Karl Popper's theory of the Open Universe.
Main Results:
- The arguments against computationalism are found to be relatively weak, despite the thesis being considered unsatisfactory or even repugnant.
- Searle's Chinese Room Argument and Popper's theories do not definitively discredit computationalism.
Conclusions:
- The status of computationalism remains undecided.
- Computationalism may still serve as a viable framework for future research in philosophy of mind and cognitive science.