Abstract This paper attempts to define the phenomena of consciousness. It studies the claims of scientists like John Searle, that there is a reductive, scientifically explainable process that results in consciousness. It discusses how philosophers like David Chalmers criticize the reductive explanation and how Chalmers argues for a more nuanced, dualistic view, one that recognizes the phenomenon's more subjective and qualitative aspects.
Outline
Definitions of Consciousness
Is Consciousness Scientifically Explainable
The Limits of Scientific Explanation
Chalmers? Naturalist Dualism
Evaluation of the Scientific Model and Chalmers? Critiques
Conclusion
From the Paper "The advent of computer technology and artificial intelligence has led to a refinement of the mind-body problem. A more accurate term would be the mind-brain relationship, as scientists are identifying the mind with the brain. The biochemical and biophysical findings continue to shed more light on mental actions and conscious thought. Many scientists now believe that brain processes are themselves mental processes, and that a scientific understanding of consciousness and other mental phenomenon rests on a greater understanding of the brain itself."
Abstract This paper examines how Chalmers distinguishes type A, type B and type C materialism, analyzes how Chalmers classifies Armstrong's "causal theory of mind", and critically discusses Chalmers views of materialism. The author also incorporates Micheal Tye's views into the paper.
Abstract This paper is an in-depth academic examination of the philosophy of dualism. It defines dualism and describes the important arguments in support of it through the concepts of Descartes, Chalmer and Jackson. The paper debates the existence of qualia. The author presents a decisive argument against dualism and in support of physicalism.
Table of Contents:
What is Dualism?
A Cartesian Argument for Dualism
Jackson's Knowledge Argument for Dualism
Chalmers? Zombie Argument for Dualism
Arguing against Dualism: Why it is a False Theory of the Mind
References
From the Paper "Dualism is a philosophical theory about the fundamental nature of reality. Perhaps the most important and best known proponent of the view was Descartes who described it as follows: ?Thought and extension can be regarded as constituting the natures of intelligent substance and corporal substance; they must then be considered as nothing else but thinking substance itself and extended substance itself that is, as mind and body.? [CSM I p. 215]. Influenced by Descartes characterization, contemporary philosophers take Dualism to be the conjunction of the following two theses:
(1) There are mental properties and there are physical properties.
(2) Neither kind of property can be reduced to the other. "
Abstract This essay looks at two works that attempt to deal with the problem of consciousness. These works are "Minds, Brains, and Programs" by John R. Searle and "Facing up to the Problem of Consciousness" by David J. Chalmers. The writer points out that there are many similarities between these works. However, there are also a wide range of differences. It is argued in this essay that Chalmers provides the better explanation for consciousness. The writer maintains that this is because he uses a non-reductive method to try and explain the nature of consciousness based on the idea that experience is a fundamental.
From the Paper "Consciousness is one of the most problematic concepts in philosophy, psychology, neurobiology and a wide range of other disciplines."
Abstract This paper makes a case for consciousness as the seat of the soul through an analysis of works by David J. Chalmers and Stephen Knapp. The paper looks at how Chalmers approaches the concept of consciousness from the assumption that it is a non-physical phenomenon that cannot be proved by physical means and how he spends a large amount of time refuting arguments by materialists in order to prove this point. In comparison, the paper then examines how Knapp takes this a step further and uses the non-physical nature of consciousness and the difficulty of pinning it down for study in order to make his points regarding the nature and location of the soul.
From the Paper "In his paper, "Consciousness and its Place in Nature" (2002), Chalmers explicates the problem of studying consciousness in terms of two types of problems: the "easy" and the "hard" (Chalmers, p. 2). The former refers to the "mechanical" functions of consciousness, such as discriminating stimuli, reporting information, and controlling behavior. These functions, being fairly homogeneous among individual persons, do not pose a problem for being explained in terms of neuroscience, according to the author. Indeed, in Knapp's terms, they might as well be performed by very complex machines or robots. The three functions are based upon the human capacity to learn and internalize external stimuli, which then translates into the manifestation of certain functions. These are "easy" problems of consciousness in terms of philosophy."
Abstract This paper examines Jerry Fodor's theory of functionalism, which is an attempt to overcome fatal flaws in previously suggested dualistic and physical claims on the subject of the mind-body problem. The writer argues that this idea does not fully encompass every aspect of the issue, and therefore it was criticized by David Chalmers. The writer explain these criticisms, and then defends Chalmers by showing that Fodor's theory has conceivable gaps and therefore is not necessarily a valid theory.
From the Paper "Jerry Fodor's theory of functionalism is an idea based on the "function" of mental states, not the composition. This allows for the idea of functionalism to be thought of as an input and output process, claiming the composition of the process unimportant for such a theory. He claims that computers are an excellent representation of this and allows for such fantastic ideas as ghosts and spirits to have thinking capability. Fodor elaborates on his theory by examining previous ideas that explain the mind-body problem. One of Fodor's initial explanations he relates to the idea of the central state identity theory, a strong physicalisitic approach. "
Abstract This extensive paper reviews the well researched book by Chalmers Johnson, ?Blowback: The Cost and Consequences of American Empire,? in its investigation for the reason for the recent terrorist attacks against America citizens worldwide. It explorers the international policy of the United States since the post World War II era, and the tactics of the Pentagon and the CIA in controlling the internal affairs of other nations. The paper believes that American should change its dominating policies, by not demoralizing other nations and demobilizing the United States forces, which would lessen the deep resentment against its growing influence and imperialistic rule in other countries most noticeably, Middle Eastern and Asian regions.
From the Paper "To most Americans, it is not clear why they are being targeted around the world by terrorists and what have they done to arose such hatred and antagonism. They consider themselves innocent harmless human beings who happen to be the citizens of world's most powerful country. So what exactly is wrong with that, why is their nationality causing huge problems for them. These are some of the important questions popping up in the minds of millions of Americans residing in all parts of the world. Many have tried to answer them but few have done with the precision and depth of Chalmers Johnson. His highly well researched book, "Blowback: The Cost and Consequences of American Empire" focuses on American political and military policies which have caused problems for its citizens around the world. Terrorist attacks against Americans are rising but few have tried to explore the root causes of this. Johnson carefully explains that the primary cause of rising tension between America and the rest of the world is rooted in the former's policies. It is important to keep one important thing in mind. Though there are similar books available on the subject but their objective is different from that of Johnson"s. They mainly try to denounce American policies and show how they are leading to worldwide conflict, but this is the not the sole purpose of Johnson's research. Johnson maintains that America must seek to learn from its past mistakes in order to lessen the impact of its wrong policies. While on the surface, he may appear to be another leftist critics of government's policies, but the actual truth is that Johnson's purpose is anything but to instigate its enemies against the administration. He is though totally unsympathetic of CIA and Pentagon's actions, he feels that the best way to improve security conditions for America and its citizens is to target the root causes of this antagonism and hatred. He doesn"t intend to demoralize America but instead wants to show its government and people what they have been unable to see through their ill-informed rose-colored and often prejudiced glasses. The world is changing and the policies of other countries including South Korea and Japan are likely to affect America in the long run whether the government believes it or not. He believes not in demoralizing but in demobilizing of United States, which might lessen deep resentment against its growing influence and imperialistic rule in other countries most noticeably, Middle Eastern and Asian regions."
Abstract This paper shows how, in his book, "Blowback", Chalmers Johnson uses the term to attempt to show that the evil nature of American foreign policy has consistently resulted in unwelcome consequences. The paper shows the relevance of Johnson's book to the events of September 11th, even though it was written a year before the tragedy.
From the Paper "In writing about the attacks on the World Trade Center, Johnson says, "one man's terrorist is, of course, another man's freedom fighter, and what US officials denounce as unprovoked terrorist attacks on its innocent citizens are often meant as retaliation for previous American imperial actions." He attempts to justify the actions of the terrorists on 9-11 by saying that they were responding in the only way that they could against overwhelming US military superiority. "The United States deploys such overwhelming military force globally that for its militarized opponents only an "asymmetric strategy," in the jargon of the Pentagon, has any chance of success." He points out that the attacks were not against America, but against American foreign policy, a distinction that the victims of 9-11 are unlikely to see."
Tags: World, Trade, Center, Chile, Allende, Pentagon
An analysis of the foreign policy of the United States, as described in the book "Blowback: The Costs and Consequences of American Empire" by Chalmers Johnson.
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Blowback: The Costs and Consequences of American Empire" written in 2000 by Chalmers Johnson. The paper discusses the concepts presented in the book with regard to the United States' foreign policy, particularly its apparent policy of 'going it alone', and it comments on the consequences of this approach to politics.
From the Paper "At times, Johnson sounds eerily precedent in his predictions of terrorism, and his discussion of the seriousness of the United States actions having the unintended consequences of stimulating terrorist attacks against America around the world. It is hard to believe this book was authored in 2000, when the World Trade Center towers still stood tall. Johnson's advocacy against the United States functioning as the world's policeman, rather than attempting to act as part of the international community, is also important advice, sadly unheard, when the United States contemplated intervening in Iraq."
Abstract The writer of this paper summarizes the book and then addresses a question to the author about the book's premise. In addition the paper explains why the book is important and what bearing it has on today's America.
From the paper:
?The author calls the book Blowback because it is a term meaning unintended consequences for some government action. He believes that we are headed for some blowback consequences that will arise from our recent militaristic movement around the world. The book is a challenge to America to rethink our world position and be sure we are sending the message that we want to send. He uses examples such as stationing 35,000 men in the gulf area following the Gulf War and reminds the reader that it caused immediate hatred by the Arabs including Bin Laden.?
Abstract This paper analyzes the new emphasis placed on space dominance by the U.S. military policy, as explained by Chalmers Johnson in "The Sorrows of Empire". The paper also looks at the politics of the Bush Administration in the post 9/11 era and how this affects U.S. space policy.
From the Paper "In his review of Chalmers Johnson's "The Sorrows of Empire", Erik Riker Coleman maintains that, from the author's perspective, the policies pursued by the Bush administration in the aftermath of the attacks were a radical ramping-up of the imperial project both abroad and at home. This radical project aimed at total military dominance, includes billions in expenditures aimed at reinforcing and expanding the massive space capability of the U.S. In an unapologetic and strident manner the U S aims to achieve total space domination in..."
Tags: Afghanistan, imperialism, space planes, weaponry, troops, casualties, Space Commission, Bush administration, terrorism, September 11
Abstract This paper proposes research that will evaluate the validity of the theory that human rights violations occur in China in greater frequency than others because of a system of governance that entrusts too much power on the ruling Communist Party. The paper
relates that the research will adopt a hermeneutical design because such a design not only promises a high degree of objectivity but also because it is considered the most appropriate methodology for a study of the social sciences. The paper also relates that empirical evidence will be gathered, interpreted and analyzed to disprove or confirm prior conceptions about the prevalence of human rights abuses in China.
Table of Contents:
Research Design
The Problem
Conceptual Framework
Theories and Assumptions
Overall Approach
Specific Methods
Reliability & Validity
Ethical Issues
Expected Contribution of Study
Influence of Chalmers Political Science
Scientific Revolution
From the Paper "There is another assumption on the part of Chinese officialdom that needs to be examined because this is the official line often invoked to justify the harsh treatment of offenders. Every time outside criticism of human rights violations within China intensifies, the CCP leadership would cite the need to discipline parts of the citizenry in order to create a harmonious society as a whole. This policy is supposed to be based on Asian values that place the welfare of the many ahead of that of a few. In this view, giving citizens too much freedom is dangerous and that government must not show weakness or else social deterioration will ensue."
