The Mind And Machines, An Oxymoron - 1365 Words

Minds and Machines, an oxymoron? Can machines think? This question, addressed by Descartes and Turing, leads to discussion of how thought is constructed and what is the mind made of. At the heart of the debate, there is a schism between Cartesian dualism and functionalism. Language is a method considered by both sides as evidence of thought and provides the test for intelligence. This essay will look at Descartes’ objections and Turing’s arguments for whether machine can ever think. This essay will argue that Turing’s, and the functionalist, view is correct. It questions whether Turing’s test provides sufficient evidence of machine intelligence, and uses Searle’s Chinese room to explain why intentionality matters. Functionalism and†¦show more content†¦107). This is influential in Descartes’s beliefs and scepticism towards machines thinking. On the other hand, Turing has a more functionalist view of the human mind. This philosophy believes different types of substances could be considered a mind, if it can perform the functional role similar to that of the human mind (Study guide, p. 112). Despite these differences, both consider the use of a language test to prove machine intelligence. Turing believes that a computer has the potential to pass the test, and proposed any machine that can pass his Turing test can think. On the other hand, Descartes thought it was impossible for a machine to pass this test (Study guide, p. 105) Descartes’ objections to machines thinking Descartes thought that a machine would not be able to communicate like a human. He argues that a machine engaging in conversation with a human would be incapable of providing meaningful answers (Study guide, p. 105). Descartes would have no conception of modern computer and programming in the 17th century. Machines simply cannot engage with language like humans can and this reflects machines not being to understand language directed to it. One major fault with his premise is that it assumes thought manifests itself in human language. He thought they would be incapable the correct assortment of words for any given conversation (Study guide, p. 105). This test would mean that animals cannot think, or a human raised away from human society