Alondra Reta
Dr. Robinson
Phil 1301_003
9 November 2017
Exam 2
Section 1:
1. What is Searle’s Chinese room argument? What is that supposed to tell us about artificial
intelligence?
The Chinese room argument gives us a brief explanation on how a “mind is to brain as program is to hardware” (Page 5). The mind seems to be plugged in to wires that can track how the brain is functioning through a program that can send out data on written paper. Since there is a book of instructions in English, Searle would understand what he reads, but his brain through the program will translate it to Chinese so the person that does speak Chinese can understand what Searle is reading. Although it’s confusing both people, the program seems help them communicate with each other. The way this is being viewed in my thought is that, the program is messing with both people’s mind by telling them that they understand each other’s language when they really don’t. For example, although the program is formal and can confuse a person, wouldn’t there be a way where the mind can fool the program? If so, maybe both Searle and the Chinese speaking person, can “crack the code” that they are trying to communicate within each other by a program. Regardless of what goes on, there is a chance where the program can mess up and give false info to the other person. Through certain tests, it has been proved that not all programs function the way the tester wants it to turn out.
Section 2:
2. What is Hume’s argument against personal identity?
David remarkably achieved worldwide fame as a historian, philosopher, economist, diplomat and essayist known today especially for his profound philosophical empiricism and skepticism. Hume’s known today especially for his major philosophical works – A Treatise of Human Nature (1739-1740), the Enquiries concerning Human Understanding (1748) and concerning the Principles of Morals (1751), as well as his published Dialogues concerning Religion after his death (1779). Hum is now recognized as one of the greatest philosophers of all times and substantially is also extremely influential on western philosophy today. Initially, Hume anticipated to establish his career in the law field but later decided to turn towards philosophy. However, Hume never appreciated his professors as he believed that nothing can be learnt by a professor. He then came out with a philosophical finding which lead him to dedicate his entirety to it. With Hume’s intense dedication, he was on the brink of nervous breakdowns, as he became recluse, spending ten years of his life solely on reading and writing, after which he decided to have a more active life to better continue his learning.
Do you ever wonder if there are indeed no “persons” that continue to exist over time? However, there are just merely impressions? If so, you’re on the exact same page as Hume as he rejects the notion of identity over time. With Hume’s argument, he formulated the concept that all ideas are essentia...
