Brad De Long wrote:
> Searle's argument proves that a collection of electro-chemically
> activated cells can fulfill the functions of a mind without anything
> within the collection comprehending *anything.* That means we have no
> basis for believing that brains "think," i.e. engage in cognition.
> Now, do you have any response to this argument?
That is correct. We also do not have any reason to believe that any potential candidate for the task of thinker exists. I suppose myself the "answer" (assuming answers can be found to every question humans choose to ask) will be found somewhere in the general realm of the intersections of neuroscience and social relations. Or we might not ever know. Worse things have happened to the human species. One of those worse things would be to sink into the pit of religion.
Carrol