1. Mechanics .
Your first paper in this course should be less than,but close to 1000 words (a little less than 4 pages double spaced).
I will not accept papers longer than 1000 words.
Your paper needs a cover page that states your name, student number, and the number of words in the paper. Put you last name at the top right hand corner of your cover page.
Please double space your paper and leave adequate margins, so there will be room for comments and corrections.
2. Topic.
The topic will be: meaning and the computational theory of the mind. You should explain how according to the theory, it is possible for a computer to contain states that have meaning. You should then explain Searle's objection to this idea, and ONE of Pinker's replys. Since 1000 words is a small paper and there is little room to work in, I urge you organize your paper around the following four questions. Your grade will depend on how well you answer them, and how well you weave your answers together into a coherent story about the topic.
(1) According to the computational theory of mind, how can a rational machine be constructed?
(2) According to the computational theory of mind, what is mentalese and why is it needed?
(3) According to the computational theory of mind, how can the the problem of intentionality be solved?
(4) What is the Chinese Room (Searle's) objection to the computational
theory of meaning, and what is ONE of Pinker's replys to the objection?
You may use any sources, but there is no need to do outside research. A review of relevant points made in HMW (especially pp. 59-96) should be sufficient. The point of this exercise is to see how well you can read the book, absorb its main points, and express them clearly in your own words. I am aware that this assignment is difficult. To do a good job, you need to read pp. 59-96 several different times. If you simply try to find where the book talks about these topics, and then "lift" words or ideas from those areas, you will do poorly. I want to make sure that you see the big picture.
3. Grading
Your grade will be computed as an average of two grades: one on English,
and the other on Content.
English: (1/3 of the total)
Have mistakes in spelling and grammar been avoided?
Is the vocabulary well chosen?
Is the prose economical and graceful?
Content: (2/3 of the total)
Did you directly address the questions asked on this assignment?
Did you show deep understanding of the topic for this assignment?
Are your comments relevant and well organized?
Is this work original with you?
4. Plagiarism
It is crucial that you do not construct your paper by "lifting" text from other sources without citing them. I consider any string of 7 words in a row that occur in anyone else's work outside quote marksprima facie evidence of plagiarism (copying). Please note that there are now very powerful web tools for detecting plagiarism. Plagiarism is a violation of the University Honor Code and will be treated strictly according to the regulations in the Student Handbook. It can lead to expulsion from the University. Write the paper using your own words and grammatical structures. One way to guarantee this is to write your paper from memory leaving your notes and sources aside during the composition process. If you do place text within quote marks, you must include a full citation stating the author, title and page number(s).
Some people try to avoid plagiarism by copying text and then changing every fourth word or so to stay legal. While I suppose this is not literal plagiarism, it violates the spirit of the law. Papers of this kind will receive a very poor grade on content.