Determining whether an individual has a vibrant inner self-has raised diverse concerns due to the lack of adequate determinants as a means of measurement, the use of symbols and bodily reactions are considered as a yardstick in underlining the existence of a vibrant inner self. Although the robots have the ability to perform outward behaviors such as waving, murmuring, walking among others, the fact that they do not exhibit emotional aspects such as passion with regards to performing roles such as shaking hands negates the fact that they have a rich inner life (Musser). Hence, observable behaviors do not guarantee the existence of a mind in an individual. Moreover, the robots’ existence is attributable to man’s quest in finding an inner self. The emotional aspect as far as observable features are concerned play an integral role in underlining the existence of a rich inner life and existence of the mind. Lack of having a mind alienates the capability of showing elements such as being remorseful, cheerful, joyful and affirmative beliefs, desires and critical thinking. As a result, outward behaviors alone do not portray existence of the mind.
Section two
Descartes would not believe that the premise underlined by the fact that outward behaviors determine the existence of the mind in an individual is sound. Descartes asserts that the mind and the body are distinct parts. In his Mind-body theory, he further argues that the mind and the body are capable of existing in separation (Skirry). As such, Descartes postulates the fact that activities conducted by the body do not have a bearing on the existence of the mind. He believed the body could undertake different actions regardless of the brain. Similarly, he viewed the brain as a separate avenue whose operations and efforts were not dependent on the activities of the body. Descartes would underline the fact that the moving of the body parts does not reflect the existence of the mind as they do not think. The mind undertakes activities that require thinking (Skirry). Hence, individuals having the mind are thinkers, thus, would believe and conduct thoughtful tasks rather than actions.
Section Three: Option A
Descartes thoughts are problematic and somewhat misleading. The fact that he views the mind and the body as two separate entities contradict logic. Even though Descartes underscores the fact that the brain is attributable to undertaking activities that require thinking, the prospect of separation does not reveal how the mind will undertake activities that require the use of the hands, the legs, and other organs to communicate the intended purpose. The brain plays an integral role in engaging in elements of critical thinking. As such, the mind to a large extent depends on the mouth and other communication organs to express its findings with regards to a given thought. Therefore, the unavailability of the mind and the body as one does not provide a means or mechanism of ensuring the aspects so thought about would be communicated and executed not only in the correct manner but also communicated at all. Although Descartes managed to underline the central role of the mind, he failed to highlight the fact that the brain plays a significant role in determining the effectiveness of specific body organs such as the visual and hearing organs. Moreover, the memory interprets the information relayed by the organs. In the event where the body and the mind existed separately, the organs would be useless and of no importance to an individual would be unable to determine the determine the information relayed by the organs.
Works Cited
Musser, George. "What the Rise of Sentient Robots Will Mean for Human Beings." 19 June 2017. Mach. Document. 12 March 2018.
Skirry, Justin. "René Descartes: The Mind-Body Distinction." 17 February 2018. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy and. Document. 12 March 2018.
