Computers are syntactical machines. The programs they execute are pure syntax and have no semantic content. Meaning is assigned, it is not intrinsic to symbolic logic. That is it’s strength. Since (1) programs are pure syntax and have no semantic content and (2) minds do have semantic content and (3) syntax is neither sufficient for nor constitutive of semantics. It must follow that programs are not by themselves constitutive of, nor sufficient for, minds.
How would one determine whether a given device/system has this “semantic content”? What kind of evidence should one look at? Inner structure? Only inputs and outputs? Something else?
How would one determine whether a given device/system has this “semantic content”? What kind of evidence should one look at? Inner structure? Only inputs and outputs? Something else?