The myth of the Turing machine: the failings of functionalism and related theses
Author:
Chris Eliasmith
DOI:
10.1080/09528130210153514
Publication Frequency:
4 issues per year
Published in:
Journal of Experimental & Theoretical Artificial Intelligence,
Volume
14,
Issue
1
March
2002
, pages 1
- 8
Subjects:
Cognitive Artificial Intelligence.;
Cognitive Psychology;
Cognitive Science;
Evolutionary Computing;
Human Computer Intelligence;
Machine Learning - Design;
Neural Networks;
Robotics;
Systems & Controls;
Number of References: 17
Formats available:
PDF
(English)
View Article:
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Abstract
The properties of Turing's famous 'universal machine' has long sustained functionalist intuitions about the nature of cognition. This paper shows that there is a logical problem with standard functionalist arguments for multiple realizability. These arguments rely essentially on Turing's powerful insights regarding computation. In addressing a possible reply to this criticism, it is further argued that functionalism is not a useful approach for understanding what it is to have a mind. In particular, it is shown that the difficulties involved in distinguishing implementation from function make multiple realizability claims untestable and uninformative. As a result, it is concluded that the role of Turing machines in philosophy of mind needs to be reconsidered.
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| Keywords: Turing Machine; Functionalism; Multiple Realizability; Computational; Equivalence; Philosophy Of Mind; Kolmogorov |
| view references (17) : view citations |

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