Philosophy

In the Discourse, Descartes outlines two “very certain” tests for distinguishing between humans and machines:

If there were machines which bore a resemblance to our bodies and imitated our actions as closely as possible for all practical purposes,

we should still have two very certain means of recognizing that they were not real men. The first is that they could never use words, or

put together signs, as we do in order to declare our thoughts to others. For we can certainly conceive of a machine so constructed that it

utters words, and even utters words that correspond to bodily actions causing a change in its organs. … But it is not conceivable that

such a machine should produce different arrangements of words so as to give an appropriately meaningful answer to whatever is said in its

presence, as the dullest of men can do. Secondly, even though some machines might do some things as well as we do them, or perhaps even

better, they would inevitably fail in others, which would reveal that they are acting not from understanding, but only from the

disposition of their organs. For whereas reason is a universal instrument, which can be used in all kinds of situations, these organs need

some particular action; hence it is for all practical purposes impossible for a machine to have enough different organs to make it act in

all the contingencies of life in the way in which our reason makes us act.

As an essay answer the following prompt:

Are Descartes’ tests as certain as he thinks they are? Are the abilities to use language and solve complex problems sufficient to

distinguish between a human mind and a machine mind? If these two tests are not sufficient on their own, what additional conditions are

necessary to provide a distinction between the human and the machine? Do such tests exist? Support your argument with ample citations and

direct quotes from philosophers and other academic sources. If machines like Data on Star Trek: TNG were possible, would their artificial

intelligence meet the requirements of a mind or are they still only machines making calculations according to limited programming? In

other words, would Descartes’ have to concede “thinking machines” are “thinking things,” that there is no difference between a human and

machine “cogito”?
o In your introductory paragraph clearly formulate a strong thesis statement – your thesis statement should be a concise declarative

sentence that serves as the conclusion to the argument your paper presents.
o The body of your paper should serve as plausible support for the conclusion you have drawn with your thesis statement. Remember,

while you are arguing for YOUR position, you are not using your own anecdotal evidence – be sure to use direct quotations from the texts

we have read – Descartes’ Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy, Locke’s Essay Concerning Human Understanding, Hume’s An

Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, etc.

 Clearly articulate Descartes’ view on the nature of the Mind and our ability to know it – explain his famous Cogito, “I think,

therefore I am,” and the relationship between the mind and the body.
 In explaining the position you are endorsing, be sure to clearly articulate any supporting or opposing philosophical positions as

well as their advocates.
 Present and answer at least one criticism of the view you are supporting. [For example, if you are writing in favor of Descartes’

Dualist position then raise and answer one Physicalist criticism of his understanding of mind, or vice versa if you are writing against

Descartes’ position.]
 Present evidence on the current state of Artificial Intelligence. Can these machines currently pass either of Descartes’ tests?

o Your concluding paragraph should not introduce any new information. It should reassert your thesis statement as the conclusion to

your argument in light of the evidence the body of your paper has provided.
o PROOFREAD YOUR PAPER!

FORMAT:
Your paper must be 8-10 typed pages, 1” margins, double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman font. A cover page is not required, but if you

include one it does not count towards the total page requirement. All quotations must be cited – either in footnotes or within the text in

parentheses, whichever you choose be consistent.

GRADING:
Your paper will be graded on 1) clarity, 2) organization, and 3) quality of philosophical argument.
Carefully follow the instructions on the prompt.

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