Minds, brains, and science (The 1984 Reith lectures)

Wittgenstein once remarked that a philosopher who doesn't engage in public debate is like a boxer who never enters the ring. By this standard, John Searle is a true prizefighter. In recent years he has taken on Noam Chomsky, the champion of modern linguistics; Jacques Derrida, the heavyweight of post structuralism; and endeavored to deal a knock-out blow to the pretensions of artificial intelligentsia.--Trevor Pateman "Times Higher Education Supplement " In print Professor Searle's lectures retain the same punchy and engaging style as they had on the air.--David Papineau "Times Literary Supplement " Searle's six brief chapters are models of straightforward, vigorous, non-technical argument...All of this heady and provocative stuff makes Searle's book an exciting read.--Stephen P. Stich "Philosophical Review " Searle's book is an admirably clear and vigorous exposition of his views on a connected set of philosophical issues of importance and timeliness.--John Perry This book is aggressive, zealous, and acute. Searle's manner is that of a plain man in possession of plain truths that no one can reject if they are plainly enough stated. I cannot think of another book quite like it.--Arthur Danto John Searle's six Reith lectures--brief talks given over the BBC--are popular philosophy in the best sense: clear and lively without loss of rigor, and on problems of wide appeal. Searle proposes answers to three related questions: the relation between mind and brain; whether computers can think (they cannot); and why, compared with the natural sciences, the social sciences have taught us so little. On the second two issues he is brilliant...Searle makes a resounding contribution to current debates.--Virginia Quarterly