Abstract

The work consists mainly of a critical examination of various arguments which seek to show that machines cannot do something which humans can do. In particular the abilities to think, act intelligently, and behave purposefully are examined. The arguments dealt with are from works by Alan Turing, Keith Gunderson, Hubert Dreyfus, Richard Taylor, and Norman Malcolm. The author also considers an argument of his own against machines being able to make mistakes. The main conclusion of the work is that each of the arguments in question fails. That is, none of the arguments show that machines lack the ability in question