Mind And Machine

Mind and Machine offers both an up-to-date overview of central questions and topics in the philosophy of artificial intelligence, as well as a distinct stance on many of the key debates, all the while focusing on two central questions: - Could a machine think? and - Are we such machines? The book covers the philosophical and historical foundations of AI, as well as specific topics in classical, connectionist, dynamical and embodied AI, including the Turing Test, the Chinese Room thought experiment, Godelian arguments against AI, The Singularity, and a detailed discussion of many famous AI models.

It also offers an annotated bibliography of suggested further readings, and can thus be used either as a standalone overview, or as a companion to a selection of key primary sources in AI. Review: 'This little gem of an introduction to the philosophy of artificial intelligence also serves brilliantly as an accessible and accurate survey of recent trends in cognitive science.' - Lawrence Shapiro, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA 'Walmsley's book is wonderfully engaging, compellingly argued, and admirably well informed.

With succinct clarity, he covers all the essential approaches to AI. The cluster of questions he addresses illuminates the nature both of machines and of the thinking machines we humans are. His little book will make a terrific introduction to the Philosophy of Mind, whether as a course text or for any independent reader looking for a guide into the subject.' - Ronald de Sousa, University of Toronto, Canada