Joe Lau's wiki: Courses/2007a COGN 1001

Course web site

• http://www3.hku.hk/cogsci/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.2007a-cogn1001

Joe Lau's lecture notes

Introductory lecture - What is cognitive science?

• Main/COGN10012007aIntro1
• Main/COGN10012007aIntro2

Philosophy section lectures - Can computation explain the mind?

• Claim T: There is a computer program that is logically sufficient for thinking (when being executed).
• Claim C: There is a computer program that is logically sufficient for consciousness (when being executed).

These claims do NOT say:

• ALL computer programs are sufficient for thinking / consciousness.
• SOME EXISTING computer programs are sufficient for thinking / consciousness.
• These computer programs can be executed using CURRENT HARDWARE.
• It is EASY TO DISCOVER the computer programs that are sufficient for thinking / consciousness.

Philosophy section lecture #1

• The Chinese room argument?

Philosophy section lecture #2

• The fading qualia argument

Assignment

Write a short essay on this topic:

@In the Chinese Room Argument, Searle assumes that the person in the Chinese Room does not understand Chinese. Should we agree with this assumption? What if someone replies that Searle does understand Chinese while being inside the room, but that the understanding disappears when he leaves the room?@

Issues to think about:

1. Think about how your answer deals with this situation. Suppose we visit Searle inside the room, and ask Searle: "Searle, do you understand 'Nihou ma'?" What would he say?
2. Is it possible to understand a language without being conscious or aware of your understanding? Or without being able to explain the meaning of the words?

Important:

1. Be clear and precise.
2. Use your own words. DO NOT copy from other sources without proper citation or acknowledgement.
3. Give arguments. Give reasons (more than one if possible) to support your position.