AI and Philosophy: Essay #1
Aims: Your first essay will be an expository paper that explores Searle’s argument against the
Turing test for machine intelligence and thought and the Churchland’s response. Thus, the aim
of your essay is to provide a CLEAR, CONCISE, and ACCURATE summary of Searle’s
argument as well as the Churchland’s criticism.
400-700 words, Times New Roman, 12pt font, 1 inch margins all around, left and right justified
Your essay will accomplish the following tasks:
1. Summarize Searle’s argument to the conclusion that a computer program could
never amount to a mind. Motivate the claims that Searle relies on and explain
what they mean using examples. In addition, specify what role the chinese room
thought experiment plays in Searle’s argument.
2. Summarize the Churchlands objection to Searle’s argument. What are they
objecting to? And what reasons do they provide for this rejection. In addition, be
sure to specify the role that the luminous room thought experiment plays in the
Churchlands’ criticisms.
