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Single Idea 4876

[filed under theme 17. Mind and Body / E. Mind as Physical / 3. Eliminativism ]

Full Idea

Perhaps there is a minimum speed for a mind, rather like the minimum escape velocity required to overcome gravity and leave the planet.

Gist of Idea

Maybe there is a minimum brain speed for supporting a mind

Source

Daniel C. Dennett (Kinds of Minds [1996], Ch.3)

Book Ref

Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Kinds of Minds' [Phoenix 1997], p.81


A Reaction

Dennett rejects this speculation, but he didn't stop to imagine what it would be LIKE if your brain slowed down, and he never considers Edelman's view that mind is a process. Put the two together…


The 12 ideas from 'Kinds of Minds'

Minds are hard-wired, or trial-and-error, or experimental, or full self-aware [Dennett, by Heil]
What is it like to notice an uncomfortable position when you are asleep? [Dennett]
Most people see an abortion differently if the foetus lacks a brain [Dennett]
We descend from robots, and our intentionality is composed of billions of crude intentional systems [Dennett]
The predecessor and rival of the language of thought hypothesis is the picture theory of ideas [Dennett]
Maybe plants are very slow (and sentient) animals, overlooked because we are faster? [Dennett]
The materials for a mind only matter because of speed, and a need for transducers and effectors [Dennett]
There is no more anger in adrenaline than silliness in a bottle of whiskey [Dennett]
Maybe there is a minimum brain speed for supporting a mind [Dennett]
Sentience comes in grades from robotic to super-human; we only draw a line for moral reasons [Dennett]
Being a person must involve having second-order beliefs and desires (about beliefs and desires) [Dennett]
Concepts are things we (unlike dogs) can think about, because we have language [Dennett]