Humans VS Computers

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 think there are many similarities as well as differences between the computer programing and human programing by society. There is no argument that computers and humans are developed through different programs. For example, when I think of computer programing my initial though is programs and coding. Its developed by commands and instructions that can later be compiled and/or interpreted and then inherently transformed to an executable that an electronic machine can execute or "run". The difference between the programming of computers and the "programming" of humans by society are a person's emotions that play a distinct role in contributing to their intelligence. the mental state and its functional role. For example, the state of pain is caused by sitting on a tack and causes loud cries, and higher order mental states of anger and resentment directed at the careless person who left a tack lying around. I don’t believe computers and artificial intelligence have the capabilities to exhibit any emotions or values at all. However, it could be programmed to react. Lastly when it comes to human beings I can agree that we are programmed by society in different ways but what separates the computer programing from human programing is that what’s programmed in humans can’t necessarily be transferred to another human. IE; personality, beliefs, habits. In the world of computing a particular program can run on any machine.  

Dualism and Physicalism

                                         

I think; therefore I am.

Physicalism affirms the existence of the body and denies the existence of the mind or soul, while dualism affirms the existence of both the body and the soul. Therefore, I am in agreeance with Descartes.

The well-known quote by Rene Descartes is the basis of his theory known as dualism. The intermingling of mind and body., “I am a mind with a body.” Descartes argues that the self exists in consciousness and that the body is simply a machine the mind controls. (our brain) We can imagine being in a different body, but we cannot imagine being a different consciousness. We act within the physical world and we can act within our own minds.

The benefit to a dualist belief is that we exist beyond our mortal bodies and can continue to exist despite the death of our bodies.  our mind holds the power of imagination, recognition, and appreciation, and is responsible for processing feelings and emotions, resulting in attitudes and actions.

Pragmatism and Feminist Epistemology

Pragmatism and Feminist Epistemology both challenge the view of knowledge as a detached, intellectual activity. Do you think they are right? How do you think we should think about knowledge? Now that we have concluded the section on epistemology, write about what kind of thing you think knowledge is.

I am in agreeance with Pragmatism and Feminist Epistemology as they both challenge the view of knowledge as a detached, intellectual activity. Pragmatism believe in a reasonable and logical way of doing things or of thinking about problems that is based on dealing with specific situations instead of on ideas and theories. Feminism in epistemology is all about the way gender influence our conceptions of knowledge and the way women think in contrast to men. I believe knowledge is crucial in today’s society.” It is a familiarity, awareness or understanding of someone or something, such as facts, information, descriptions, or skills, which is acquired through experience or education by perceiving, discovering, or learning” all of what we need to succeed in this world. It's what makes us what we are today and without it we would be completely oblivious to what’s important today.

Empiricism

What do you make of empiricism's claim that all of our knowledge is based on the use of our senses? What areas of knowledge do you think support this theory? Are there any types of knowledge (mathematical knowledge, for example?) that you think are a problem for this theory?

I am in agreeance with the claim that all of our knowledge is based on our senses. experience; the conscious events that make up an individual life. the events that make up the conscious past of a community or nation or humankind generally. All that we know is from experience and what we were taught growing up.

"at birth empiricism argue, our minds are like "blank tablets" they do not contain anything until they have been filled up with sensory experience" I have a three year old and I must say I knew nothing about being a mom prior to giving birth. I'm the last of 3 siblings therefore I was always care for and didn't have a younger sibling to "practice on". I knew nothing. but with questions and experience I was able to learn how to do certain things as a mom.

I am in the place I am today based on life's experience and challenges. experience is what helps you to grow. I'm taking Math150 and I must say each class is mind blowing( I hate math) but its so different. even if someone explained it to me 100 times I wouldn't get it unless I experienced it with my own eyes or ears. same goes for my criminal justice class.

Socrates

Not utilizing your ability to communicate effectively on a more fundamental level is similar to ordering a tasty dish without some of the required ingredients. In other words be extraordinary at all things that you do think outside the normal. ask questions. have a different opinion about things. don't accept things for what they are. Philosophy is suppose to help us unmasked ourselves from the inside out. it can also help improve critical thinking skills, but it can help provide us with knowledge of logic that can greatly help improve critical thinking. Socrates is very adamant about his thoughts and feelings about the importance of philosophy. its not a matter of whether he is right to be a pessimistic about life without philosophy or not. but, more so he feels very strong about his believes and that's what he lived by. I for one agrees with him in many ways more than one.

"Such prisoners would mistake appearance for reality. They would think the things they see on the wall (the shadows) were real; they would know nothing of the real causes of the shadows."

Knowledge, reality, and existence....

Philosophy makes me think!!!


"It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well" Rene Descartes.

Philosophy make me think! How about you?

I'm hoping with the knowledge I'll obtain from this class that I would have a deeper understanding of how the world works( that would take some time :). Also that I would learn how to analyze things closer and more critically. To be more thorough with my approach in life. I would like to be able to look at things from a variety of perspectives, to understand different viewpoints.

I super excited to tap into the unknown to awake the sleeping giant.