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Machines and Organisms

A critical analysis of the Aristotelian conception of organisms

Title: Machines and Organisms

Term Paper , 2019 , 13 Pages , Grade: 1,00

Autor:in: Andjelika Eissing-Patenova (Author)

Philosophy - Miscellaneous
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Summary Excerpt Details

Technological developments of artificial intelligence paired with incredibly realistic simulations of organic bodies will probably make machines hardly differentiable from living beings in the near future. The increasing possibilities of replacing bodily parts by robotic replications do not simplify a strict division between organisms and machines. Therefore, it is relevant to think about the question whether modern machines can be subsumed under well-known concepts of organisms. And if they do, can we accept that? Or should such concepts be rethought and updated?

In her paper "Organismus - Maschine: Analogie oder Gegensatz", Marianne Schark compares the Aristotelian and the Cartesian conception of organisms. According to the Aristotelian conception, living beings consist of a physical body (matter) and a soul (form), which is necessary for viability. According to Aristoteles, the organic body functions as the soul’s tool. Supporters of the Cartesian conception criticize this theory by claiming that animals are nothing more than organized bodies and thus do not differ from machines. In general, those two conceptions vary regarding their interpretations of the nature of abilities: While, according to Aristoteles, living beings possess active abilities, René Descartes rather considers them as merely having passive dispositions.

Since it seems obvious that modern machines can be considered as organisms according to the Cartesian conception, in this paper, I will focus on the more ambiguous Aristotelian conception. I argue for the claim that modern machines can be considered as organisms even according to the Aristotelian conception of organisms. If this is true, we should seriously think about which distinctive features still differentiate organisms from modern machines and consequently, whether an introduction of new theoretical approaches of organisms is required.

Excerpt


Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

  • I. INTRODUCTION
  • II. MAIN ARGUMENT AND OUTLINE
  • III. THE ARISTOTELIAN CONCEPTION OF ORGANISMS
    • The soul as the form of living beings
    • The organic body as the soul's tool
      • First interpretation
      • Second interpretation
  • IV. STATEMENT
  • V. CONCLUSIONS

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper explores the question of whether modern machines can be considered organisms according to the Aristotelian conception. It argues that machines can fulfill the conditions of this conception, prompting a reevaluation of the definition of "organism" and its distinction from machines.

  • Aristotelian conception of organisms
  • Modern machines as organisms
  • Role of the soul in Aristotelian thought
  • The organic body as a tool
  • Distinctive features of organisms

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction outlines the increasing blurring of the lines between organisms and machines due to advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. It emphasizes the need to reconsider the concept of organisms in light of these developments, focusing on the Aristotelian conception as a point of reference.

The paper presents a clear argument that modern machines can be considered organisms according to the Aristotelian framework. It justifies this claim by analyzing the two key components of the Aristotelian conception: the soul as the form of living beings and the organic body as the soul's tool. The analysis of the soul concept explores its potential for encompassing various forms of operation, including those associated with modern machines.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper explores the concepts of organisms and machines, analyzing the Aristotelian conception of organisms, the role of the soul, and the potential for modern machines to be considered organisms within this framework. It delves into the implications of this reinterpretation for our understanding of living beings and the distinguishing features of organisms in the face of technological advancements.

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Details

Title
Machines and Organisms
Subtitle
A critical analysis of the Aristotelian conception of organisms
College
University of Salzburg
Grade
1,00
Author
Andjelika Eissing-Patenova (Author)
Publication Year
2019
Pages
13
Catalog Number
V469709
ISBN (eBook)
9783668976177
ISBN (Book)
9783668976184
Language
English
Tags
machines machine organism organisms Aristoteles Aristotelian conception Aristotelian conception of organisms conception of organisms artificial intelligence simulation simulations organic organic body organic bodies living beings future robot robotic robotic replications replacement Marianne Schark Descartes René Descartes Cartesian conception of organisms physical body matter soul form viability tool soul's tool animals organized bodies nature of abilities dispositions animate inanimate necessary condition condition conditions requirement requirements organization organized organizational form order interaction organs organ alive reproduction self-nutrition perception thinking operator driving force brain human humans plants interplay organic system embodiment living being
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Andjelika Eissing-Patenova (Author), 2019, Machines and Organisms, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/469709
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