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From: johnsons@stolaf.UUCP (Scott W. Johnson)
Newsgroups: net.philosophy
Subject: Re:Re:Re: Can Computers Think?
Message-ID: <1713@stolaf.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 19-May-84 22:56:43 EDT
Article-I.D.: stolaf.1713
Posted: Sat May 19 22:56:43 1984
Date-Received: Mon, 21-May-84 03:24:48 EDT
Organization: St. Olaf College, Northfield MN
Lines: 35

Perhaps I have misunderstood a "turing machine" from a machine that passes
the Turing test. The latter is what I was refering to in my last article.
As such, no known computer (to myself at least) has been able to pass the
Turing test. On this I have based my statement that computers are not
effectively Turing machines. If my mind has warped out and left me void
on this essential detail please forgive me--or at least wait til I get
down from orbit before you flog me.

I am troubled though--how is it possible to say that a machine `reads'?
What reads? The machine? What part of the machine? The plastic or the
bits of silicon? If it reads, does it then `understand'?? What does it
mean to understand something written? Do machines `know' what they are
reading? I ask these questions in the spirit of common sense, according
to everyday understandings of the uses of the words, reading and under-
standing. When you understand a story, let's say, is that the same kind
of understanding a computer possesses when it `reads' that same story?

And yes we are deeply entrenched in Descartes' model of the universe, 
sadly so, yes. It is difficult to rise from that slovenly state of
existence. Imagine though, if you can, mind and body, not separate
entities, but rather, different types of experience. Our error is made
when we believe that mind must be different from the body (because we
do have differing experiences) but upon this we then conclude that mind
must then be a different thing, entity altogether. Not so. They are
merely different aspects of the same thing--ourselves. Perhaps this will
help.

I must leave you all with this question. I am graduating tomorrow. But
i wish you all luck with this question. If I could be ask each of you
one thing, it would be to seriously consider this question, weighing
all sides, and thinking originally and honestly, to follow your hearts
toward a solution. Take care, good luck in your ventures and may the
farce be with you.

                                        Fluke Jaywalker