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Single Idea 6654

[from 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' by E.J. Lowe, in 17. Mind and Body / C. Functionalism / 7. Chinese Room ]

Full Idea

A computer executing its program is not equivalent to the English-speaker in the Chinese Room, but to the combination of the English-speaker and the operation manual.

Gist of Idea

A computer program is equivalent to the person AND the manual

Source

E.J. Lowe (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2000], Ch. 8)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [CUP 2000], p.216


A Reaction

Searle replies that there would be no understanding even if the person learned the manual off by heart. However, if we ask 'Is there any understanding of the universe in Newton's book?' the answer has to be 'yes'. So the manual contains understanding.