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From: pja1@rsvl.unisys.com
Subject: Re: Is there a spiritual force etc.?
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Date: Fri, 23 Sep 1994 00:30:58 GMT
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In article <35q5us$q3a@ux.cs.niu.edu> rickert@cs.niu.edu (Neil Rickert) writes:
>From: rickert@cs.niu.edu (Neil Rickert)
>Subject: Re: Is there a spiritual force etc.?
>Date: 21 Sep 1994 15:44:12 -0500

>In <pja1.5.01112E1D@rsvl.unisys.com> pja1@rsvl.unisys.com writes:

>>            I find Minsky's position contradictory in that he rejects theism 
>>on scientific grounds but appears to accept cartesian duality implicitly-it 
>>seems to me that the latter belief is equally dubious and unscientific.

>I am curious as to the evidence which persuades you that Minsky
>accepts cartesian dualism.

The theory of mind underlying the symbolic AI programme is not consonant with 
the empirical facts--the brain does not abstract experience, the mind is an 
integral whole. Minsky and others believe that the mind can be deconstructed 
along what are essentially semantic contours. Only someone with 
Cartesian sensibilities could ever hope to leap the prodigious gulf between 
the theory and the facts. If, however, you have this world-class credulity,  
stand up, stick your fist in high in the air, and repeat after me with 
conviction: I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVETH!

:-)


