Abstract The paper examines the story by Cherniak to analyze the discussion of whether minds can function as machines. It looks at the arguments by J. R. Lucas who believes that this is not possible. A range of viewpoints are suggested.
From the Paper " J. R. Lucas determined that, despite the arguments of others, he believed that minds could not function as machines. This is evident in the story by Cherniak at the very beginning of the tale. In the opening paragraph the discussion is about a group of people that have prepared a report that was "prepared in haste". If the individuals had minds like machines, they would not have had to work quickly to try and piece together information for others, but would have worked in a matter of fact way, regardless of what was occurring to prepare the work. Additionally, if their minds functioned as machines, it would be..."
Abstract This paper explains Godel's theorem and its application to the machine mind. It describes the advantages of Godel's theorem in mathematics and how it is used in practice by mathematicians who lack understanding of a specific principle. The paper also provides the writer's opinion of the use of the theorem and suggests that it is almost commonsensical in nature.
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Response to Postings
Discussion
From the Paper "This could in fact be yet another referral to Cherniak's Riddle but that fact would only be left to the literary critic to decide and because human language is a series of referential signs and symbols that always refer to something else this could never be known absolutely. Here is the key difference in the two languages in question. When a mathematical principle is discovered and proven it is self evident to all and taken as fact. When a literary concept is created it is, conversely, always up for debate and its meaning always at play. Thus, Godel's theorem is both an apologetic and a principle best left explained in the language it was conceived in--mathematics."
