Strong mechanism refuted: weak mechanism safe
Strong mechanism either contains mentalistic concepts—in its explanatory apparatus—or is inconsistent with Gödel’s theorem. Weak mechanism doesn't contain mentalistic concepts and can be shown to be consistent with Gödel’s theorem.
Strong mechanism holds that the mind can be entirely explained in mechanistic terms. But strong mechanism either contains mentalistic concepts—in its explanatory apparatus—or is inconsistent with Gödel’s theorem.

Weak mechanism, though, doesn't contain mentalistic concepts—because it only explains the concept of mind—and can be shown (via lengthy proof) to be consistent with Gödel’s theorem.

William Nelson Reinhardt (1986).

Notes: For a similar line of argument directed against philosophical behaviourism, see "Philosophical behaviourism is circular" Map 2, Box 87.

Strong mechanism: The mind is mechanical.

Weak mechanism: the concept of mind is mechanical.
Immediately related elementsHow this works
-
Artificial Intelligence »Artificial Intelligence
Are thinking computers mathematically possible? [7] »Are thinking computers mathematically possible? [7]
Yes: Automata can think »Yes: Automata can think
Natural phenomena best understood via mechanism »Natural phenomena best understood via mechanism
Gödel refutes the philosophy of mechanism »Gödel refutes the philosophy of mechanism
Strong mechanism refuted: weak mechanism safe
+Commentaires (0)
+Citations (0)
+About