Minds, Brains And Science: The 1984 Reith Lectures (Pelican S.) - Softcover

Searle, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140228675 ISBN 13: 9780140228670

Publisher: Penguin, 1989

Synopsis

This is a text of the Reith lectures of 1984 in which John Searle challenged the pretentions of artificial intelligence and the idea that the brain is no more than a biological computer. John Searle also wrote "The Campus War", "Expression and Meaning" and "Intentionality".

About this title

Review:

John Searle's six Reith lectures--brief talks given over the BBC--are popular philosophy in the best sense: clear and lively without loss of rigor, and on problems of wide appeal. Searle proposes answers to three related questions: the relation between mind and brain; whether computers can think (they cannot); and why, compared with the natural sciences, the social sciences have taught us so little. On the second two issues he is brilliant...Searle makes a resounding contribution to current debates.

brilliant...Searle makes a resounding contribution to current debates.

Chomsky, the champion of modern linguistics; Jacques Derrida, the heavyweight of post structuralism; and endeavored to deal a knock-out blow to the pretensions of artificial intelligentsia.

Wittgenstein once remarked that a philosopher who doesn't engage in public debate is like a boxer who never enters the ring. By this standard, John Searle is a true prizefighter. In recent years he has taken on Noam Chomsky, the champion of modern linguistics; Jacques Derrida, the heavyweight of post structuralism; and endeavored to deal a knock-out blow to the pretensions of artificial intelligentsia.--Trevor Pateman "Times Higher Education Supplement "

In print Professor Searle's lectures retain the same punchy and engaging style as they had on the air.--David Papineau "Times Literary Supplement "

Searle's six brief chapters are models of straightforward, vigorous, non-technical argument...All of this heady and provocative stuff makes Searle's book an exciting read.--Stephen P. Stich "Philosophical Review "

Searle's book is an admirably clear and vigorous exposition of his views on a connected set of philosophical issues of importance and timeliness.--John Perry

This book is aggressive, zealous, and acute. Searle's manner is that of a plain man in possession of plain truths that no one can reject if they are plainly enough stated. I cannot think of another book quite like it.--Arthur Danto

About the Author:

John R. Searle is Willis S. and Marion Slusser Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0140228675
• ISBN 13: 9780140228670
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112