What Is Searle's "Chinese Room" Thought Experiment Supposed to Show

question 24

Multiple Choice

What is Searle's "Chinese room" thought experiment supposed to show?

• A) That computers aren't yet able to simulate the human ability to understand
• B) That no machine can demonstrate genuine understanding
• C) That it is only possible for systems to demonstrate understanding
• D) That understanding involves more than the ability to formally reproduce appropriate outputs

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Definitions:

Biopsychological

An interdisciplinary approach that explores the complex interactions between biological processes and psychological phenomena.

Case Study

A detailed examination of a single subject, group, or event to explore or investigate its developmental patterns over time.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, based on limited evidence, that serves as a starting point for further investigation.

Bystander Effect

A phenomenon identified in social psychology that indicates people are less willing to help a victim when they are not alone, but in the company of others.