The modeling of mind

computers and intelligence

Kenneth Malcolm Sayre, Frederick James Crosson

This book is designed to open a channel of communication between two groups of persons concerned with the impact of computer technology upon our conception of the human mind. As such, it should prove useful to students in either group. The two fields to which we refer may be described as (a) the philosophy of mental acts, and (b) the computer-oriented technology of the simulation of mental behavior. For convenience of reference, we will dub these two fields simply (a) "philosophy" and (b) "technology." While we have attempted to keep the needs of the classroom in mind while preparing this book, we have been equally interested in serving the person who is also an active contributor in one of these areas, and who feels that his understanding of his own particular problems might be increased by learning something of similar problems which researchers in other areas have encountered.