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University PHIL 201 Discussion Board 1 thread solution right
Philosophy
and Contemporary Ideas DB1 thread Group Discussion Board thread forum
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can choose it from many different papers.
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Group Discussion Board Forum 1 Instructions
Androids and the Mind/Body
Problem
Note: In
order to fulfill this assignment you need to have read the Star Trek synopsis
and/or episode found in the Reading & Study folder along with chapter 3 of
the Hasker text. You also need to have viewed
the video presentation “The Mind/Body Problem” and the PointeCast presentation
“Proposed Solutions to the Mind/Body Problem.” If you have not done so, stop
now and read that material.
Science
fiction literature often raises philosophical issues and is a great source for
philosophical speculation. This is especially true for the mind/body problem.
For example, it is common in science fiction literature to encounter androids.
An android is a robot which resembles a human being in appearance and behavior.
Examples of androids in science fiction books, television programs, or films
are numerous (Star Trek, Star Wars, Aliens, Terminator, A.I., I, Robot, etc.).
In reality, many computer scientists are currently working in the area of
“artificial intelligence” or machines that can “think for themselves.” Many
computer scientists believe this is the first step in creating these androids
of the future and that in time the distinction between man and machine will be
practically erased. These scientists speculate that androids with
super-computer brains will have thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and desires just
like humans. Therefore, some argue that they will also have the same rights,
responsibilities, and privileges that all humans have and should be treated as
thus.
Do you
see problems with this view of the future? Do you think machines can ever
become persons?
In order
to explore this question, let us consider Season 2, Episode 9 or Episode 35 (of
total episodes) entitled “The Measure of a Man” from the popular television
series, Star Trek: The Next Generation. It would be helpful if you could view
this episode (perhaps you can rent it from your local video store or Netflix),
but I have provided a synopsis so that you can fulfill this assignment without
viewing the episode.
Your thread
must address the first question below. You may also address several of the
other questions as well, but the bulk of
your response must be on the first question and relating the story to Hasker,
chapter 3 as well as both the video presentation “The Mind/Body Problem” and
the PointeCast presentation “Proposed Solutions to the Mind/Body Problem.”
- From
your reading of Hasker, and using the categories he uses, what view of the
mind/body problem do you think is exhibited by Picard? By Maddox? Support
your answer.
- Maddox
lists three criteria for a being to be sentient: intelligence,
self-awareness, and consciousness. Are these adequate? Can you think of
other properties or characteristics a being needs to have in order to be
considered a “person?” What might they be?
- Do
you think that artificial intelligence to the level as it is presented in
the story will someday be possible? Why or why not?
- Do
you think Maddox is right when he claims that Picard is being “irrational
and emotional” in his view of Data?
- Do
you agree with the JAG officer’s final ruling? Why or why not?
- If
A.I. does become possible, will we have obligations to treat machines
“ethically?”
Submit
your thread by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday of Module/Week 3 and submit your reply
by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 3.
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