Minds and Computers

Could a computer have a mind? What kind of machine would this be? Exactly what do we mean by 'mind' anyway? The notion of the 'intelligent' machine, whilst continuing to feature in numerous entertaining and frightening fictions, has also been the focus of a serious and dedicated research tradition. Reflecting on these fictions, and on the research tradition that pursues 'Artificial Intelligence', raises a number of vexing philosophical issues. Minds and Computers introduces readers to these issues by offering an engaging, coherent, and highly approachable interdisciplinary introduction to the Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence. Readers are presented with introductory material from each of the disciplines which constitute Cognitive Science: Philosophy, Neuroscience, Psychology, Computer Science, and Linguistics. Throughout, readers are encouraged to consider the implications of this disparate and wide-ranging material for the possibility of developing machines with minds. And they can expect to develop a foundation for philosophically responsible engagement with A.I., a sound understanding of Philosophy of Mind and of computational theory, and a good feel for cross-disciplinary analysis. Features: *A solid foundation in the Philosophy of Mind *A broadly interdisciplinary purview *A directed philosophical focus *A clear and accessible explanation of technical material with abundant exercises *A glossary of terms

Matt Carter is a Lecturer in the Philosophy Department at Melbourne University.