The Conceptual Boundaries Of Descartes Essay - 2181 Words

Introduction This paper examines the conceptual boundaries that Descartes established that define what he determined to be the human mind. These conceptual boundaries are relatively high in character ensuring that, according to Descartes, there exists a firm line between what determines a human mind versus a purely physical entity such as an animal. However, this examination extends the argument further into the realm of mechanical entities as well as artificial intelligence (AI). The analysis is meant to determine if contemporary technology has managed to achieve or surpass the arbitrary standards established by Descartes vis-à  -vis what constitutes a mind or soul. The argument, in this instance, is that contemporary technology has developed what Descartes would have classified as a mind in the form of AI, which exceeds Descartes’ minimum standards. Descartes’ Demarcation The metaphorical line that Descartes establishes that determines the division between what constitutes a human mind from a non-human entity is quite clear. Descartes expends considerable effort in explaining that the human mind is, above all, self-aware. For instance, in the course lectures it is noted that Descartes believes that when an entity, primarily a person, asserts that it exists to itself, then this in and of itself establishes a precedence of mind (Descartes’, 2016, p.19). Such a precedent demonstrates a fundamental belief about oneself that rises above external observation butShow MoreRelatedBarbara Kruger : Art History Archive1398 Words   |  6 PagesAccording to the Art History Archive, Barbara Kruger is an American conceptual artist born in Newark, New Jersey in 1945. She attended Syracuse University in 1964 where her interests in graphic design, poetry, and writing developed. 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