BRENT SILBY

Articles in Philosophy

Should Parents Smack Children?
A law was passed in 2007 making it illegal to smack children. People are now protesting, wanting a repeal of this law. Arguments on both sides of the debate are emotive and unconvincing. In this essay, I examine the issue in a methodical fashion.
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The Simulated Universe
This article explores the Simulated Universe argument with particular reference to Nick Bostrom's formulation. After providing an exposition of the argument, I address two problems and conclude that we reject the possibility that we exist in a simulation.
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The Immediate Solution to the Climate Crisis
Here I outline the cause and history of global warming. I then suggest that a quirk of human psychology means we will do very little in the present to help the future. I finish by offering some commonsense solutions to the problem, such as removing old forests to replace them with young high CO2 absorbing trees.
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Climate Change
A brief comment to follow up from my 2001 article about the state of the climate and what, if anything, we can do to save Earth.
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Is a DJ an Artist?
In this short article I argue that the DJ is an artist, and the DJ's product (a mixset) is a form of art
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Nanomachines: A big promise in a small package
Nanomachines are devices built from the atom up. In the future, nanomachines will be able to enter living cells to cure diseases. In this article I outline the benefits and risks of nanotechnology.
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Of course we went to the Moon: A defense of the Lunar Landings
This article is a reply to conspiracy theorists, who believe that the Lunar Landings were nothing more than elaborate hoaxes perpetrated by NASA and the U.S government. In this article I show that the evidence used by the conspiracy theorist is not convincing. I conclude that we are justified in believing that people went to the moon.
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Correcting the Creationist
Creationists claim that Intelligent Design is a scientific theory, and should therefore be taught in schools alongside other scientific theories. In this short article I show that the creationist is mistaken. Creation mythology repackaged as "Intelligent Design" is not science. It is religion.
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The Human Modification of Earth: Earth's survival is our survival
The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, I intend to ask the question: Is the human species worth preserving? Or, in other words, does it matter if something threatens our existence? After answering this question in the affirmative, I will move on to the next section of the paper in which I assess the damage that we are doing to the environment. I will show that our Carbon Dioxide emissions are contributing to Global Warming and, furthermore, that the effects are already being observed. By referring to scientific predictions, I will show that our planet faces some dramatic environmental changes. After exploring the implications of this data, I will conclude that Global Warming is a possible threat to all life on Earth.
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Memecosystems: Are Animal Minds Suitable Habitats for Memes?
Milk-bottle opening behavior in a species of bird known as the British tit has been put forward as an example of a meme in a non-human animal. In this e-paper I argue that milk-bottle opening behavior in the British tit is not memetic and is better explained by appealing to its innate behavioral repertoire.
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Evolution of Technology: Exposing the Myth of Creative Design
In this e-paper, I use the evolutionary algorithm to account for the existence of technology. In doing so, I call into question the idea of human creativity and claim that it is an illusion.
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What is a Meme?
Meme talk is becoming common, but many people do not really know what a meme is. This short article offers a tangible definition, and predicts where future research might take us.
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New Worlds, New Hope
A comment on the continuing discovery of new planets.
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Revealing The Language of Thought
A 5 chapter e-book that examines the Language of Thought. This takes the form of an extended debate between 'mentalese' and natural language theorists.
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On The Conceivability of Zombies
An analysis of the logical possibilty of zombies
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On A Distinction Between Access and Phenomenal Consciousness?
An overview and discussion of the distinction put forward by Ned Block
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Dretske's Alternative to HOT Theories of Consciousness
The alternative to Higher Order Thought theories.
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Wittgenstein: Meaning and Representation
An attempt to understand some of Wittgenstein's ideas and relate him to my area of interest
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The Problem of Qualia
A look at the problem of qualia
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Dennett's Reduction of Intentionality
An exposition of Brentano and a look at Dennett's "Intentional Systems Theory"
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Non Philosophical Articles

The Release of Youth Conference Report
I was invited to speak at the 2008 release of a Youth Conference Report. Here is a transcript of my short talk
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The Theory of Mixset
Non-philosophical article in which I attempt to formalize the structure of a DJ mixset
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(c) BRENT SILBY 1998-2008