PP1MM-Mental Machines

Module Provider: Philosophy
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Mr Gabriel Dupre

Email: g.g.dupre@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module investigates the possibility, the promise, and the perils of thinking machines. How close are we to creating artificial intelligence (AI), and what fundamental obstacles does the project of AI still face? How will AI change the world, and how afraid should we be of the Singularity - the point at which machines become more intelligent than humans, and design exponentially more intelligent machines without us? How far does the mind extend into the world? For example, could a neural implant or even a smartphone form part of your mind? Are we ourselves thinking machines, in the form of intelligent, naturally occurring computer programs? We will investigate these questions by reading the works of contemporary philosophers such as David Chalmers, Andy Clark, Hubert Dreyfus and John Searle, as well as scientists such as Susan Greenfield.



Reading:



Required readings will be posted online.



Recommended:



Tim Crane, The Mechanical Mind, Routledge 2003.

Hubert Dreyfus, What Computers Still Can't Do, MIT Press 1992.

John Searle, 'Minds, brains, and programs’. Behavioral and Brain Sciences 3: 417-457, 1980.

David J. Chalmers, 'The Singularity: A Philosophical Analysis', Journal of Consciousness Studies 17:7-65, 2010.

Andy Clark and David Chalmers, 'The Extended Mind’, Analysis 58(1): 7-19, 1998.

Aims:

Students in this module will learn to engage knowledgeably, critically and rigorously with the complex and pressing issues about artificial intelligence which face contemporary society. They will learn how the tools of philosophy can illuminate scientific problems, and they will be introduced to some central questions in philosophy of mind. They will learn to formulate precise arguments about these problems and questions, both orally and in writing. This module will prepare students for further Philosophy modules at Parts 2 and 3, by developing critical skills required in all Philosophy modules, as well as through subject knowledge which will be especially helpful in Meaning and the Mind (PP2MM) and The Science of Consciousness (PP3SC).

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students in this module will acquire subject knowledge in the philosophy of mind and artificial intelligence, by engaging with cutting-edge research in these disciplines. In addition, they will learn the skill of formulating precise, convincing philosophical arguments about scientific problems. They will learn how to communicate these arguments effectively in discussion and in writing, and how to criticise such arguments effectively and constructively, engaging effectively with their peers. Finally, in-class presentations will give students a chance to learn about presenting themselves and their ideas effectively.

Additional outcomes:
Students in this module will develop an appreciation of how philosophy can engage effectively with the sciences, and of an appreciation of how philosophy can engage effectively with pressing practical issues facing society the world over. Students will be exposed to written work in diverse philosophical and scientific styles and traditions, learning how to translate efficiently between them.

Outline content:

The module begins with some recent achievements in work on artificial intelligence. We then ask whether any so-called 'artificial intelligence’ could be genuinely intelligent, by reference to the arguments of Margaret Boden, Hubert Dreyfus and John Searle. We first assess Boden’s views about creativity in artificially intelligent systems, before considering Searle’s ‘Chinese Room’ argument that no computer program could be sufficient for intelligence, along with Dreyfus’ criticisms of the idea that machines might think. We then turn to some further questions about the consequences of artificial intelligence for humans: Are we humans ourselves thinking machines, in the form of intelligent, naturally occurring computer programs, and if so, could a human mind be ‘uploaded’? What are the perils of artificial intelligence, and should we fear the Singularity? Are Andy Clark and David Chalmers correct that technological aids to cognition which lie outside the brain might nonetheless form parts of one’s mind?

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module is taught by lectures and seminars. Students are expected to attend 10 hours of lectures and 5 hours of seminars during the term in which it is provided. Lectures include the presentation of some material by video, as well as traditional lecturing by the module convenor. Seminars include student presentations, as well as discussion among multiple students. All students are required to write one module essay from a list of questions supplied by the module convenor, and to give one seminar presentation. Students are encouraged to be active in all classes, asking questions and trying to answer the questions posed by others. Reading, handouts and other study aids will be available via Blackboard.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures			10
Seminars			5
Guided independent study:			85
Total hours by term			100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:
Students will have the opportunity to submit draft work for both their presentations and their written assignment.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Written assignment

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 11 November 2019