Single Idea 7389

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / C. Functionalism / 7. Chinese Room]

Full Idea

There is nothing remotely like genuine understanding in any hunk of programming small enough to imagine readily.

Gist of Idea

A program won't contain understanding if it is small enough to imagine

Source

comment on John Searle (Minds, Brains and Science [1984]) by Daniel C. Dennett - Consciousness Explained 14.1

Book Reference

Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Consciousness Explained' [Penguin 1993], p.438


A Reaction

We mustn't hide behind 'complexity', but I think Dennett is right. It is important to think of speed as well as complexity. Searle gives the impression that he knows exactly what 'understanding' is, but I doubt if anyone else does.