computers and brains

Some philosophers, including John Searle, say that computers are not really intelligent. Rather, they just simulate intelligence. However, it could be argued that, just as computers are programmed to respond in different ways to different commands, so human beings are 'programmed' by society, and education, to perform certain tasks. For example, we are programmed to do complicated things like speak a language, as well as more simply things like brush our teeth.

What are your thoughts on this comparison? Is there any difference between the programming of computers, and the 'programming' of humans by society?

I believe there is a huge difference when stating that humans are ‘programmed’ by society, just as computers are programmed.

They are programmed to follow instructions, and those instructions HAVE to be followed. It’s like they have been set in stone and it cannot be broken, it is unable to break its protocol and do another task that is unrelated to its program/commands.

Whereas, we choose to follow tasks/commands, society and education may think they have program us but as I’ve mentioned before it’s by choice we choose to follow. We are able to change our action from time to time in the same/any given situations.

week 4

Should we, as human beings, think of ourselves as made out of two different substances, like Decartes argued? Or are you persuaded by the arguments of physicalism that we are purely physical beings?


I believe as humans, we are made out of two different substances. As Decartes argues, our mind and body are two different entities. Although the fact that our mental life seems to be very closely connected to a physical organ, namely the brain, I still believe they are two separate things that have some kind of mutual symbiotic relationship. Without our physical body, our mind cannot exist and vice versa. Although physicalism  would argue that the mind is only the activities of the brain.

1) Pragmatism and Feminist Epistemology both challenge the view of knowledge as a detached, intellectual activity. Do you think they are right?

Yes, I think pragmatism and feminist both challenge the view of knowledge

2) How do you think we should think about knowledge?

We should think knowledge  as necessity, something that we need in order to properly function, not only in society but physically and spiritually as well.

3) Now that we have concluded the section on epistemology, write about what kind of thing you think knowledge is.

I believe knowledge is an important part of our development. Without it we do not function properly. It’s like boxing without any glove. You are still able to box, but without the glove, it is not as effective.

WEEK 2

What do you think about methodological skepticism? Do we ever follow this procedure in our daily lives, or do we do the opposite. In other words, do we tend to believe things until it becomes impossible  to believe them, rather than doubting everything we can? If so, does this suggest that methological skepticism is not a good strategy?


I tent to believe we follow this procedure in our daily lives, at least I do. I worked at radioshack as an assistant manager, and whenever and employee was running late or an incident happened and the employ related the story or why he/she was late, or made out an incident report, the first thing runs through my mind is doubt. "Is this person lying, they sound as if they are" Even something as simple as the reason I had been chosen as assistant manager, doubt was the first thing that popped in my mind. I believe we tent to doubt things first, (if anyone is willing to admit) even if its for a split second. I do believe the majority of the time, people tent to doubt things first, than believe in them.
I'm not suggesting that I believe the methological  skepticism is a good strategy . I do believe we need to find a way to draw the line on the way we think. By not doubting everything until it is possible to believe just seems a little impossible to do

WEEK 1

In the Allegory of the Cave, Socrates suggests that, without philosophical education, we are all like the prisoners in the cave. What are your thoughts on this? How is philosophy supposed to be liberating? Do you think Socrates is right to be so pessimistic about life without philosophy?

            

            I do agree that without philosophy we are like the prisoners in the cave it’s as if the prisoners in the cave are  somewhat one “dimensional thinkers”. They have no knowledge of the outside world, only what they see in their immediate surroundings and refuse to believe anything they cannot see. Without philosophy education, it is quite similar. Without questions and critically thinking we seemed to not be able to think outside the box and educate ourselves. We will only believe what others tell us and not question it.  We are basically left in the dark going through life like a zombie only to be manipulated by others.

WELCOME

Hi,

welcome to my Philosophy 100 blog. My name is Marisa and I'll be your blogger for the next four months. I'm majoring in Liberal Arts (this is my last semester......yaaay) with a concentration in Science. I'm planning on going to Hunter this Spring semester to do a double major in Nursing and French Literature. Philosophy 100 is definitely needed for both my Liberal Arts and Nursing majors and I have been 'dreading' taking this class and found all the excuses in the book not to take it until my last semester. I grumbled all the way to the registrars office trying to negotiate substitute classes that I can take. As you can tell, it didn't work. So, I sucked it up and went on the internet and find out all I can about philosophy, I even bought the book early to get a head start. As I began reading about Socrates and his views on life it became very interesting, so interesting that I didn't realize that I'd been back and forth between my computer and reading my book for hours. I hope to get a better understanding on the way philosophers think at those times and the impact on society. It will also be very interesting to see how modern day society view philosophers back then and see if they share the same views or if they have totally different ideas and concepts. Now I can honestly say Philosophy is my new found obsession (until something else comes along) and I will thoroughly enjoy this class.

HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOY THE THREADS AND

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY....... :-)