Mind Design II: Philosophy, Psychology, Artificial Intelligence
summary of Mind Design II: Philosophy, Psychology, Artificial Intelligence edited by John Haugeland:
John Haugeland’s Mind Design II is a landmark anthology that gathers together influential essays in philosophy, psychology, and artificial intelligence to explore one of the most pressing questions of modern thought: what does it mean to design a mind? Building on the first Mind Design volume from 1981, this updated and expanded edition includes both classic writings and new contributions, offering a panoramic view of debates about the nature of intelligence, cognition, and consciousness. The collection spans from foundational reflections on the possibility of artificial minds to detailed explorations of computational theories of cognition, neural networks, and the relationship between psychology and AI. Key figures such as Alan Turing, John Searle, Jerry Fodor, Hubert Dreyfus, and Daniel Dennett appear alongside newer voices, creating a dialogue across analytic philosophy, cognitive science, and continental critique. Central themes include the strengths and limits of computationalism—the idea that minds can be understood as information-processing systems—the challenge of genuine understanding versus mere symbol manipulation, and the role of embodiment and environment in cognition. Haugeland’s editorial introductions situate each essay within the broader debate, highlighting tensions between mechanistic models of mind and richer, more holistic approaches that emphasize meaning, intentionality, and lived experience. By juxtaposing AI optimism with critiques of its reductionism, the book not only maps the intellectual terrain of cognitive science but also forces readers to confront deeper metaphysical questions about thought, agency, and personhood. Mind Design II thus remains an essential text for anyone interested in the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and AI, providing both a historical foundation and a critical resource for ongoing debates about whether—and how—we can build minds.
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