Topics 1.
Write a short (2-4 pages) paper on one of the following
topics. You may also choose your
own topic, but please clear it with me first.
DUE 19th February, 2004
1. Give three reasons why cognitive scientists have been inclined to treat thought as computation. Then consider one reason to be suspicious of the strategy. Explain the reason, and critically assess it.
2. What is the physical symbols system hypothesis? Explain one objection to it discussed in the texts or in class. Assess the hypothesis in light of the objection.
3. Explain two of the following three positions regarding Ôfolk psychologyÕ: realism, instrumentalism, and eliminativism. Explain what Ôfolk psychologyÕ is, and which position is correct.
4. Is computation a distinct ÔlevelÕ of organization in the brain? Explain both why one might think it is, and why one might be skeptical.