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.