Can Machines Have Minds?

Artificial intelligence can do many of the things you and I can do. It can create art, write an essay, and find the best route to a restaurant. But a question remains: are artificial intelligences genuinely intelligent? Can machines have minds? That’s the question we’ll be taking up in class today. We’ll study on of the leading theories in philosophy of mind—a theory called functionalism—according to which machines can have minds. But we’ll also learn about a crucial objection to this theory.

Required Viewing

Before class, please view the video linked below.

Required Reading

Before today’s class session, you should also read “Appleseeds to Apples: Catholicism and the Next ChatGPT.” You can find the interview in the print volume of Nexus, and also online.

Assignment

In class today, we’ll be assigning your first reflection paper. The reflection will be due on September 19.