| This article investigates the plausibility of developing artificial intelligence by computer programing from the perspective of philosophical analysis, specifically asking (1) whether or not independent thinking by AI is possible, and (2) whether or not knowledge acquisition and the use of intentionality is unique to human beings in any way. On the one hand, John Searle’s assessment of computer based artificial intelligence compared with the human mind is adopted to frame the inquiry as a philosophical mind-body problem. The causal relation between the brain and the consciousness with its attendant intentionality for mental activity in both human beings and animals is affirmed, at least in part, and therefore this phenomenon for transference of basic semantic meaning from neurobiological elements is to be differentiated from mere syntactical arrangement in computer programing. On the other hand, Searle’s premise that neurobiology is wholly responsible for the thinking process is not well grounded. On the contrary, philosophical or empirical analyses as well as arguments from the Christian Scripture seem to affirm that the ontology of the soul specially designed for the imago Dei sets humanity apart from the rest of the creatures. |
