In an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence, the question of whether machines can truly think has never been more pressing. This book takes readers on a rigorous yet accessible journey through Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics to tackle two questions:
1. Can a computer program be sentient?
2. Is the human mind reducible to computation?
The author introduces essential concepts in an entertaining style, guiding readers through this exciting topic. The book even includes source code that allows readers to test and verify key arguments themselves.
This book is for anyone intrigued by the nature of mind and machine: from curious lay readers to philosophers, computer scientists, and AI enthusiasts. It serves as an engaging introduction for beginners while offering fresh perspectives for experts. It will also be of interest to senior undergraduate and graduate students, where it can be used as supplementary material in courses on Computer Science, AI, and Philosophy of Mind.
Key Features
- Offers a rigorous, verifiable argument grounded in mainstream science, with no speculative physics.
- Includes real source code and challenges for readers to explore and validate concepts hands-on.
- Combines Computer Science, Physics, and Philosophy of Mind in a way that is both educational and thought-provoking.