1) What role do metaphors play in helping people grasp the concept of Artificial Intelligence? Do you agree with the statement that the brain is a "meat machine"? What other metaphors might be applicable to the function of the human brain?

2) In the article "First tentative steps," Rodney Brooks is quoted as saying, "My belief is that we, people, are machines. So in principle, I see no reason why we can't build a robot that is as capable as a human being." Compare that statement with the two remaining articles, other readings you have done, and your own views. Discuss your position relative to the possibility of machines becoming equal to humans.

3) How do you think Victor Frankl would answer the question, "What does it mean to be human?" Examine his ideas on life, love, suffering, and humor. Develop your own definition of what it means to be human.

4) Consider John Searle's "four features of mental phenomena." What specific aspects of each feature make mental phenomena so difficult to fit into a scientific conception of the world? What are the implications of the four conclusions he makes in Chapter 2 in defining a "thinking" machine?