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

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

Reviews
This book is an excellent introduction to some of the most important problems within the philosophy of artificial intelligence... Carter's book is in fact highly interdisciplinary, but he has clearly succeeded in integrating some very crucial topics regarding artificial intelligence in a clever and thought-provoking manner... The book will be an excellent choice as a textbook to be used for a university course introducing important and interesting problems within the philosophy of artificial intelligence. History and Philosophy of Logic Like good science fiction, Matt Carter's Minds and Computers essentially constitutes an exploration into what makes human beings what they are... [It] is a teaching tool par excellence and should find its way into every classroom where the philosophy of mind is being studied. Heythrop Journal



Book Information
ISBN 9780748620999
Author Matt Carter
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Edinburgh University Press
Publisher Edinburgh University Press
Weight(grams) 350g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 156mm * 23mm