Essays On Philosophy

In this collection of essays on various aspects of philosphy I have concentrated on topics that have particularly interested me. Most were written as part of a Diploma in Philosophy with Oxford University (awarded 2001). Other writings were presented at various talks on artificial intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence and the Mind

• Is the Brain a Computer?
• Is Connectionism the Saviour of Artificial Intelligence?
• Could a Machine Have a Mind?

Language and Meaning

• Is it Possible to Speak a Private Language?
• Do the Terms Analytic and Synthetic Have any Meaning?
• How Can We Ever Understand Each Other?

Metaphysics

• Can We Justify Our Belief in an External World?
• Spinoza's Concept of Substance

Politics

• Is a Utilitarianism Society A Happy One?
• Can Mill's 'Liberty Principle' be Defended by a Utilitarian?

Miscellaneous

• Science - Has Popper Solved The Problem of Induction?
• Ethics - Are Moral Values Real or Subjective?
• Religion - The Fallacy of the Argument from Design