Essay topics: Please choose one of the following two topics. If you would like to write on a different topic you are welcome to, but you must get my approval at least a week before the first essay draft is due in class. 1. The problem of other minds. Pick either an animal species (e.g. Grey parrot, pig, crow, etc.) or focus on a hypothetical super-intelligent AI. Argue either in favour or against its being conscious. While you may use the arguments reviewed in Andrews or Schneider, you should also provide your own critical contribution to the debate. A complete essay on this topic will contain the following elements: Paragraph 1: Introduction to the issue and clear statement of your thesis, in the format “I will argue x because y…” Exposition: what is the problem of other minds (relate either to animal or AI) What is an argument in favour of the animal or AI being conscious? (especially with respect to animals, fill in the details of the evidence of this animal’s behaviours that support the argument). Here you may draw on any of the arguments in Andrews or Schneider. Any other exposition relevant to understanding your objection Objection: How would someone object to some aspect of this argument? Make sure this is a full-fledged argument, not just a throwaway point. How does this objection impact the argument? Hypothetical response: How Andrews or Schneider might reply to your objection (If you are arguing against animal/AI consciousness) Why this reply is unsuccessful Conclusion: summary of what you have argued References
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