Animal minds and robot minds

St Mary’s University College, Philosophy Department
Royal Institute of Philosophy Public Lecture

Animal minds and robot minds

Prof. Murray Shanahan (Imperial College, London), Professor of Cognitive Robotics

Wednesday, 5^th October 2011
5.15pm - 6.45pm, followed by a drinks reception
Senior Common Room, St Mary’s University College, Twickenham

Abstract: 

Do non-human animals think like us? Are they conscious the way we are? Can robots think like we do? Could we ever build a conscious robot? These philosophical questions are important because they influence what we decide to do. To the extent that an animal can experience suffering, we have a duty to treat it well. If we can build a robot that is conscious, would it also be able to experience suffering? And if so, should we build such a thing in the first place?

 About the Speaker:

Murray’s primary interests are in cognitive architecture, both as it is found in Nature and as it might be realised artificially. Because he is committed to the view that cognition and embodiment are intimately related, he also has a strong interest in robotics. On this account, Robots are seen as a vehicle for testing theories of cognition. The claim is that if we have a good theory of cognition - one that passes the test of implementability on a robot - then it will help us build better, more intelligent robots. Murray also has an interest in consciousness, and sees consciousness and cognition as closely related. He is of the belief that to understand these themes properly entails a certain degree of engagement with philosophy, particularly philosophy of mind.

Registration

All lectures are free and open to the public without registration. Lectures start at 5:15 and last for 50 minutes, with 40 minutes for questions. This is then followed by a wine reception.

Venue

For further information, please contact Dr Yasemin J. Erden: erdenyj@smuc.ac.uk

Senior Common Room, St Mary’s University College, Waldegrave Road, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, TW1 4SX, UK.
Directions to the university: http://www.smuc.ac.uk/contact/directions.htm