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Computational
Philosophy FAQ
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Have a question? Email
me.
- What is Computational
Philosophy?
- Why is Computational Philosophy
significant?
- Is this proposal just
hype?
- How is CP different from
Philosophy of Computer Science or Philosophy of Information
or Cyberphilosophy?
- Why not Philosophy of
Toasters/Marshmallows etc.?
- Who are you?
- Why did you make this
page?
- What are your qualifications?
- What further reading do
you suggest?
Q 1: What is Computational Philosophy?
A: Computational philosophy (CP)
is a philosophical subdiscipline that utilizes computers as a
subject matter, intuition pump, and research tool. See Computational
Philosophy for more details.
Q 2: Why is Computational Philosophy
significant?
A: Computers have had a profound
impact in every intellectual sphere, including philosophy. The
ideas employed by computer scientists (information, computation,
complexity, algorithms, etc.) are central to many important developments
in science: cognitive psychology, cognitive neurobiology, quantum
computing, complex systems, molecular biology, and more. As such,
they are ripe for philosophical analysis. Furthermore, these concepts
may be (and have been) used to reconceive traditional philosophical
problems. Some clear examples include: computationalism in philosophy
of mind; information theoretic approaches to epistemology and
language; automated discovery in philosophy of science; and information
and computer ethics. No subdiscipline remains untouched by the
ideas and methods of CP. Lastly, through philosophical modeling,
CP affords us new (arguably better) methods for exploring philosophical
issues.
Q 3: Is this proposal just hype?
A: It is not uncommon for enthusiasm
for new ideas to overcome our critical capacities, leading us
to unfairly reject good, if old , ideas, accept conclusions prematurely
and declare dominance over other subdisciplines. We should be
wary of all of these dangers. Ultimately, it is the fruitfulness
of the issues, the rigor of the methods, and applicability of
the concepts that will prove its legitimacy, or not.
Q 4: How is CP differentiated from Philosophy
of Computer Science/Philosophy of Information/ Cyberphilosophy/
etc.?
A: While it is not particularly
important that the set of concepts, problems and methods that
comprise what I call computational philosophy be called such,
I think that it is most appropriate title. In my view, 'computational'
modifies 'philosophy' in same way 'analytic' does, which is to
say that it expresses a distinct mode of philosophizing. I do
not think 'philosophy of computer science', 'philosophy of information'
or 'cyberphilosophy' captures the scope of this new approach appropriately.
Q 5: Why not Philosophy of Toasters/Marshmallows
etc.? (Really a more specific version of Q2)
A: Unlike toasters, marshmallows,
etc., computers have had a significant impact on the way we understand
diverse phenomena (replication, intelligence, adaptation and so
on). Computers are also unique in their being abstract, as well
as concrete machines. I am afraid that this deserves a paper.
See Q 2: Why is Computational Philosophy significant?
Q 6: Who are you?
A: For more information see About
Me.
Q 7: Why did you make this page?
A: I made this page to consolidate my (and
many other people's) thoughts about the 'computational turn' in
philosophy, give form to this turn and be a resource interested
students, professors and layfolk.
Q 8: What are your qualifications?
A: My qualifications: two degrees
(Philosophy/Psychology BAs, Computer Information Systems minor)
from a not too prestigious
institution; omnivorous and continuous reading on the relevant
subjects; a paper presentation at the 2003
Australian Computing and Philosophy conference; lots of navel-gazing
and papers, both complete
and in
preparation. In short, too few-- as always, caveat lector.
Q 9: What further reading do you suggest?
A: See Books
and Online Papers for more in depth
treatments of various CP related topics.
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