back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 7335

[from 'talk' by Luke Westaway, in 17. Mind and Body / C. Functionalism / 7. Chinese Room ]

Full Idea

If the Chinese Room is functionally equivalent to a Mandarin speaker, it ought to be able to ask itself questions in Mandarin (and it can't).

Gist of Idea

The Chinese Room should be able to ask itself questions in Mandarin

Source

Luke Westaway (talk [2005]), quoted by PG - Db (ideas)


A Reaction

Searle might triumphantly say that this proves there is no understanding in the room, but the objection won't go away, because the room is presumably functionally equivalent to a speaker, and not just a mere translator (who might use mechanical tricks).