Searle's 3rd axiom requires scientific research
Searle's 3rd axiom assumes syntax can't produce semantics. But this assumption is exactly what is at issue in classical AI. It's an empirical issue that can't be decided in advance of scientific research—and begs the question of machine thought.
Searle's third axiom (which is nearly identical to his first conclusion) thus begs the question of whether machines can think.
Paul & Patricia Churchland, 1990.