Mind and the Machine, The: What It Means to Be Human and Why It Matters

Matthew T. Dickerson

ISBN 10: 1587432722 / ISBN 13: 9781587432729

Published by Brazos Press, 2011

Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Seller Inventory # V03O-01573

Synopsis:

What does it mean to be human? Some naturalists believe that the human mind can be reduced to brain biology, suggesting that we are no more than complex biochemical machines. Computer scientist Matthew Dickerson critiques a physicalist/naturalist view of human persons and defends theistic accounts of human nature. He responds to the widespread assertion that human consciousness is nothing more than "software" that can one day be downloaded into supercomputers. Drawing on C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, Dickerson gets at the heart of human nature itself, highlighting a far richer vision of personhood, creativity, and love. This thought-provoking book on a timely topic will appeal to those interested in science and religion, philosophy, and technology; readers of the materialist New Atheists; and anyone who simply cares what it means to be human.

About the Author: Matthew Dickerson (PhD, Cornell University) is professor of computer science and environmental studies at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, and the author of From Homer to Harry Potter; Narnia and the Fields of Arbol; and Ents, Elves, and Eriador. He is an internationally known Tolkien scholar and directs the New England Young Writers' Conference at Bread Loaf.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Mind and the Machine, The: What It Means to ...
Publisher: Brazos Press
Publication Date: 2011
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Very Good