An Alternative Means to Intelligence

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An Alternative Means to Intelligence

Through cognitive science, computer science, and psychology there has been an underlying question as to what qualifies for intelligent action. Allen Newell and Herbert A. Simon have proposed that a physical symbol system has the necessary and sufficient means for intelligent action. This is a view shared by many other notable figures from a variety of disciplines.

What I would like to do in this essay is present an alternative means to attribute intelligent action. I will try to show that there are limitations to the physical symbol system, and that something is missing in the theory.

Part 2: Method and Presuppositions

In order to show that the physical symbol is not the only means for intelligent action, I am going to attempt to give examples of alternative methods. I will also point out where I feel that Newell and Simon's theory is missing a piece of the puzzle. First I will state the theory of the physical symbol system. I will then give what I feel are appropriate criticisms of the theory. Finally I will show that there are alternative means for ascribing intelligent actions. I presuppose what is meant by intelligent action. This is the underlying question and if this is not already understood then I do not believe that we should be discussing a means for describing it. I will also presuppose what qualitative laws are and how they are used in science.

Part 3: The Text's Argument

Newell and Simon believe that symbols and physical symbol systems are fundamental in explaining intelligent action. In order to understand what a physical symbol system is one must first understand what symbols are. According to Newell and Simon symbols lie at the root of intel...

... middle of paper ...

...ad to concepts that the digital framework cannot achieve, such as human like learning and a strong reliance upon it's environment.

Part 5: Conclusion

I do not believe that the argument I have given for the accuracy against the physical symbol system is fully complete. What I do claim, however, is that I have shown that there are weakness in the theory of physical symbol systems. Overall, I believe that, to say anything that displays intelligent action must be a physical symbol system, such as one described by Newell and Simon, is not fully justified. This being because of the examples stated above.

Word Count: 1, 421

Bibliography:

Part 6: References

Newell, Allen & Simon, Herbert. "Computer Science as Empirical Inquiry: Symbols and Search." In J. Hougeland (Ed.), Mind Design II (pp. 81-95). Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press, 1997.

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