Discussion questions
Here are some questions which might be discussed during the tutorials. It would be good if you can think about them before attending tutorials. Of course, you are encouraged to ask whatever questions you might have about the course in the tutorials. A tutorial is not supposed to be another lecture.
- Many aspects of the mind involve the use of information. It was suggested that language use involves "information about syntax, semantics and phonology." Can you explain what this means with examples?
- Can you think of any mental processes which do not seem to make use of information?
- Name three different ways of understanding the purpose of the Turing test.
- What is the point of the Blockhead example?
- "Blockhead can give responses which we cannot distinguish from those of an intelligent being. If we cannot tell the difference, then we have no reason to think that Blockhead is not intelligent." Comment.
- Do maps and diagrams have a combinatorial syntax and semantics?
- Suppose we have a computer (call it C1) which stores information. It uses "abc" to mean John loves Mary, "cba" to mean Mary loves John, "cbc" to mean Mary loves Mary. Do you think it has a combinatorial syntax and semantics?
- Suppose we have a computer (call it C2) which stores information. It uses "P" to mean John loves Mary, "Q" to mean Mary loves John, "R" to mean Mary loves Mary. Do you think it has a combinatorial syntax and semantics?
- Do you think the argument about ambiguity shows that natural language cannot be part of the language of thought?
- Experiments suggest that young babies can think and reason before they can speak a language. What might this show about the relationship between natural language and the language of thought? Is the ability to speak a language the same as the ability to understand the language?
Tutorial assignments
To be announced.