Views on Computationalism: Clark vs. Searle :: essays research papers

Views on Computationalism: Clark vs. Searle Computationalism: the view that computation, an abstract notion of materialism lacking semantics and real-world interaction, offers an explanatory basis for human comprehension. The main purpose of this paper is to discuss and compare different views regarding computationalism, and the arguments associated with these views. The two main arguments I feel are the strongest are proposed by Andy Clark, in â€Å"Mindware: Meat Machines†, and John Searle in â€Å"Minds, Brains, and Programs.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Andy Clark strongly argues for the theory that computers have the potential for being intelligent beings in his work â€Å"Mindware: Meat Machines.† The support Clark uses to defend his claims states the similar comparison of humans and machines using an array of symbols to perform functions. The main argument of his work can be interpreted as follows: p1. The brain is constructed like a computer, since both contain parts which enable them to function. p2. The brain, like a computer, uses symbols to make calculations and perform functions. p3. The brain contains mindware similarly as a computer contains software. c. Therefore, computers are capable of being intelligent beings.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I find, however, that Clark’s conclusion is false, and that the following considerations provide a convincing argument for the premises leading to this conclusion, starting with premise one: â€Å"the brain is constructed like a computer, since both contain parts which enable them to function.† This statement is plausible, yet questionable. Yes, the mind contains tissue, veins, and nerves etc. which enable it to function, the same way that a computer contains wires, chips, and gigabytes etc. which it needs to function. However, can it be possible to compare the two when humans devised these parts and the computer itself so that it can function? If both â€Å"machines†, as Clark believes, were constructed by the same being this comparison might be more credible. Clark might argue that humans were made just as computers were made so therefore it could be appropriate to categorize them together. I feel that this response would fail because it is uncertain where exactly humans were made and how, unless one relies on faith, whereas computers are constructed by humans in warehouses or factories.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My second argument against Clark’s claims applies to premise two: â€Å"the brain, like a computer, uses symbols to make calculations and perform functions.† Before I state what I find is wrong with this claim, I should explain the example Clark uses to support this premise, which is from the work of Jerry Fodor:

Horizon Foods Corporation Essay

1. What are the characteristics of the market served by the Horizon Foods Corporation? Poor Delivery, high cost of shipping crate, small quantity, high stocks, and high competition. Horizon’s product lines have focused on ethnic food specialties including salad dressings, sauces for Italian pasta, and condiments such as specialty pickles. Is a national company that provides food products. Customers in this market are in many places, diï ¬â‚¬erent points; they prepare meals for small retailers who are demanding customized products, customers’ demands small quantities. 2. What problems exist at the Horizon Foods Corporation? Horizon have problems with the distribution of products, the amount of inventory control problems in warehouses, the increasing demands of customers on products, services, the costs of transportation are high, coordinate issues within the company, also they need a better communication. Orders are generally small, amounting to five to six cases per order, or about 150 to 200 pounds at a time. 3. Why do you think the problems exist? Marketing and production departments are not lined. They need information on time. Inventory of products that require a special request of customers, the demands of the customers due to the fact that small amounts of 5-6, shipping crate increase the cost of 150-200 pounds, negotiated warehouse is not enough quality service as provided by other companies, the company’s determination of the amount of inventory in the structuring, planning and transport issues the contract warehouses intricacies of product quantities. The two plants: one in the Central Valley of California at Fresno and the other in Illinois about 60 miles south of Chicago, the transport between are expenses too. 4. What would you suggest the task force recommend in order to gain â€Å"control over this product movement process†? The changes required to gain control over the supply chain, Horizon need a better level of communication system. They need to keep an eye and to implement new systems that would help in these areas: Business administration, accounting systems.

John Kay and His Impact on Weaving

In 1733, John Kay invented the flying shuttle—an improvement to weaving looms and a key contribution to the  Industrial Revolution. Early Years Kay was born on June 17, 1704,  in the  Lancashire  hamlet of  Walmersley. His  father, Robert, was a farmer and wool manufacturer but died before he was born.  Thus, Johns mother was responsible for educating him until she remarried. John Kay was just a young man when he became the manager of one of his fathers mills. He developed skills as a machinist and engineer and made many improvements to the machines in the mill. He  apprenticed with a  hand-loom reed  maker and also designed a  metal substitute  for the natural reed that became popular enough to sell throughout England.  After traveling the country making, fitting, and selling his wire reeds, Kay returned home and, in June 1725, married a woman from Bury.   The Flying Shuttle The flying shuttle was an improvement to the loom that enabled weavers to work faster. The original tool contained a bobbin onto which the weft (crossways) yarn was wound. It was normally pushed from one side of the warp (the series of yarns that extended lengthways in a loom) to the other side by hand. Because of this, large looms needed two weavers to throw the shuttle. Alternatively, Kays flying shuttle was thrown by a lever that could be operated by just one weaver.  The shuttle was able to do the work of two people—and more quickly. In Bury, John Kay continued to design improvements to textile machinery; in 1730 he patented a  cording  and  twisting  machine for  worsted. These innovations were not without consequences, however. In 1753, Kays home was attacked by textile workers who were angry that his inventions might take work away from them. Kay ultimately fled England for France where he died in poverty around 1780. Influence and Legacy of  John Kay Kays invention paved the way for other mechanical textile tools, but it wouldnt be for about 30 years—the  power loom  was invented by Edmund Cartwright in 1787. Until then, Kays son, Robert, stayed in  Britain.  In 1760, he developed the drop-box, which enabled looms to use multiple flying shuttles at the same time, allowing for multicolor wefts. In 1782, Roberts son, who lived with John in France, provided an account of the inventors troubles to  Richard Arkwright—Arkwright then sought to highlight problems with patent defense in a parliamentary petition. In Bury, Kay has become a local hero. Even today, there are still several  pubs  named after him, as is the park called Kay Gardens.