Robots and consciousness

Paper details:

defend the position that it is impossible for computers or robots to ever have true consciousness, though, they may be capable of imitating o defend the position that it is impossible for computers or robots to ever have true consciousness, though, they may be capable of imitating or simulating it to a great extent.r simulating it to a great extent.
I am just looking for the first part, the four-page argument. Not the rebuttal

Introduction to Ethics: PHI 240

Online (Summer)

Philosophy Debate:

Fifteen percent (15%) of your final grade will come from the debate project.

Students will select a single ethical issue, and a position on that issue that they will have to defend against the arguments of those students presenting the case for the alternative position.  The project will take place over the final 2 weeks of the semester.  It will require reading the essays and articles associated with the topic (listed within the Week 7 folder) as well as some outside research and preparation.

Topics and Requirements:

Week 7 (Part I): Philosophical Debate Issue Selection

Topics & Key Questions:

• Philosophy of Religion
  • What is the nature or essential characteristics of a divine being?
  • Does God exist?
• Epistemology
  • Do innate ideas exist?
  • What is the nature of knowledge? Is it possible to actually achieve it?
• Philosophy of Mind
  • Do we have a mind that is separate and distinct from our bodies or is what we call the ‘mind’ just our physical brain and nervous system?
  • Is it possible in principle for a computer or robotic system to become conscious?
• Personal Identity
  • What does it mean to have a ‘self’ or a ‘personal identity’?
  • What accounts for our continued numerical identity over time? Is there even anything at all?
• Free Will
  • If determinism is true, then is it really possible to make free choices?
  • Does free will require that when we act we could always have acted differently?

 

• This week you must select both the issue you wish to debate and the position you will take on that issue if you have not already done so.
• Selection Rule: No more than 4 students per position!
  • You may pick any position so long as 4 others have not already selected it. If you select a position that has already been selected by 4 others, your name will be removed from that topic. (You need not personally hold the position you choose to defend, but you must present as strong a case for your position as you are able.)
  • Select your position by creating a thread with your name on it in Discussion Board under the Issue/Position of your choice.
• This week you will spend time familiarizing yourself with your selected issue. You will be expected to be familiar with both sides of the issue.  Outside research may be necessary.
• Spend time planning your debate strategy. Compile a list of the strongest arguments for your case, as well as for the opposition.  Develop the arguments you will use in your Position Defense.  Anticipate the arguments your opponent will use and come up with a reasoned response/rebuttal.
• Tips:
  • Identify the 3 strongest arguments for your side
  • Systematically diagram those 3 arguments
    • Identify Presuppositions (things assumed by the argument)
    • Identify Premises (reasons in support of the conclusion)
    • Identify Conclusion (the statement that the author is attempting to convince you of accepting)
  • Identify the types of arguments you are employing (deductive, inductive, analogical, etc.)
  • Think how someone could oppose your arguments and what reasons they would appeal to in rejecting the points you are making in support of your conclusion. Also, try to anticipate arguments that could be given in support of the opposite position.
  • Identify the weaknesses in those arguments.
  • Prepare responses to those arguments
  • Decide which Philosophical Theory might be most appropriate for your case and for persuading your audience.

Week 7 (Part II): Position Defense Posting

• In Week 7 you will also be expected to post your Position Defense in Discussion Board.
• Type up your Position Defense
  • This will be in essay form.
  • The length will be determined by the arguments you choose to present, but remember you are trying to persuade people as to the truth of your position, so you should make sure that you are clearly explaining and supporting the claims that you are making to support your position. Also, the better the essay is crafted, the more easily your readers will be able to follow your train of thought.  Rhetoric can come in handy, but it should not be at the expense of clarity in the support for your argumentation.  As a general guide, you should aim for approximately 4 pages (double-spaced, 12 pt. font).
  • You must formulate at least 3 arguments that support your position. Clearly identify them within your essay (e.g. “my first argument,” “firstly,” etc.).
  • At least 1 argument must specifically reference one of the readings in the textbook associated with the topic. You can choose to either explain and further support one of the readings’ arguments or choose an opposing argument to evaluate and criticize.
  • Please upload your essay in the Word format (.doc) with the Issue and your name as its title.
  • Go to your original thread (where you signed up), click on your name, and either edit your thread (if it will allow you) or hit reply to add a new thread underneath.
  • Attach your Position Defense document and post.
• Read your opponents’ Position Defenses as well so you will be able to compose your rebuttal, due next week.

Week 8: Rebuttal to the Opposition Posting

• The final week you will be expected to post your Rebuttal to the Opposition in Discussion Board.
• Type up your Rebuttal to the Opposition
  • This will also be in essay form.
  • The length will be determined by the arguments you choose to address and critique. Again, the better the essay is crafted, the more easily your readers will be able to follow your train of thought.  Be careful that you do not mistake rhetoric for reasoning when you are analyzing your opponent’s case.  If you are interested in enhancing these skills and learning more about the art of argumentation, then you may want to take PHI 230 – Intro to Logic or HUM 115 – Critical Thinking.
  • Please save your essay as a Word (.doc) document with the Rebuttal Issue and your name as its title.
  • Go to your opponent’s thread (where they posted their Position Defense), click on their post and hit ‘reply’ to add a new thread underneath.
  • Attach your Rebuttal to the Opposition document and post.

Grading:

The Philosophical Debate Project is worth 15% of your final grade.

You will be given a letter grade according to a rubric that will reflect both your own position defense as well as the quality and attention paid to your opponent’s arguments in your rebuttal.