Mechanical Mind: A Philosophical Introduction to Minds, Machines and Mental Representation
By, Crane, Tim
Publisher: Routledge
Class No.: 128.2 CRA
Accession No.: 009249
Year: 2003
Pages: 259 p.

Of the week: 10th April to 16th April, 2006

The book is a great introduction to anyone interested in the theory of the mind, representation of knowledge or merely 'computational' philosophy.

The book is split up into 6 chapters: 'The Puzzle of Representation', 'Understanding Thinkers and Their Thoughts', 'Computers and Thought', 'The Mechanisms of Thought', 'Explaining Mental Representation' and 'Consciousness and the Mechanical Mind'.' The book takes a very structured approach to explaining the mind, its representation and how it can be described in computational terms. Yet Crane manages to take a few digressions to help the reader understand the concept at hand without loosing track of the main theme.

Crane's method of writing is excellent - a semi-informal, concise, and throughly understandable style that brings the reader close to the book. His writing is consistent throughout, with perhaps the exception of the 'Intentionality and Intensionality' section. Crane has many examples to illustrate his points, and quotes from many other scientists and philosophers.

The book doesn't necessarily focus on the field of artificial intelligence - in fact, a person with no knowledge of computer science could easily read the book. The 'Computers and Thought' chapter discusses the idea of algorithms thoroughly before going on to discuss the ideas of Turing Machines (excellent section), functions, 'black box'ing, and other such simple terms in computer science before discussing actual artificial intelligence.