Minds and Computers : An Introduction to the Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence

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Minds and Computers
An Introduction to the Philosophy of Ar tificial Intelligence
Matt Car ter
Minds and Computers
An Introduction to the Philosophy of Ar tificial Intelligence
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Edinburgh University Press
22 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LF
www.eup.ed.ac.uk
ISBN 978 0 7486 2099 9
Cover illustration & design: RIVER DESIGN, Edinburgh
barcode
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 enter taining 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 ‘Ar tificial Intelligence’, raises a number
of vexing philosophical issues. Minds and Computers introduces readers to 
these issues by of fering an engaging, coherent and highly approachable 
interdisciplinar y introduction to the Philosophy of Ar tificial Intelligence. 
Introductor y material is presented 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. They can expect to develop a foundation for
philosophically responsible engagement with A.I., a sound understanding 
of Philosophy of Mind and of computational theor y, and a good feel for 
cross-disciplinar y analysis.
Features:
• A directed philosophical focus
• A self-contained introduction to Computational Theor y
• Clear and accessible explanations of technical 
material with abundant exercises
• A glossar y of terms.