Question

Which of the following most accurately represents Searle's criticism of the brain-as-computer metaphor, as that criticism is described in the passage?

• A. The metaphor is not experimentally verifiable.
• B. The metaphor does not take into account the unique powers of the brain.
• C. The metaphor suggests that a brain's functions can be simulated as easily as those of a stomach.
• D. The metaphor suggests that a computer can simulate the workings of the mind by using the codes of neural transmission.
• E. The metaphor is unhelpful because both the brain and the computer process information.

Answer 1

The correct option is B The metaphor does not take into account the unique powers of the brain.

Searle's criticism of the brain-as-computer metaphor is discussed in the first paragraph. Computers are merely machines; only people are endowed with causal powers if the brain that allow them to understand meaning and content.

A Searle does not believe in the value of the metaphor, so its verification is beside the point.

B Correct. Searle believes that people have something computers do not, causal powers if the brain for understanding important aspects if human thought.

C Comparing the brain to a computer, the metaphor does not make this suggestion.

D In the second paragraph, the author says, but even if a computer could simulate the workings if the mind, making it clear that presently it cannot; this statement does not reflect why Searle rejects the metaphor.

E This is not the basis of Searle's objection since he does not accept the premise that the brain is an information processor.

The correct answer is B.