BRENT SILBY

Articles in Philosophy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Worlds, New Hope
A comment on the continuing discovery of new planets.

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.

On The Conceivability of Zombies
An analysis of the logical possibilty of zombies.

On A Distinction Between Access and Phenomenal Consciousness?
An overview and discussion of the distinction put forward by Ned Block.

Dretske's Alternative to HOT Theories of Consciousness
The alternative to Higher Order Thought theories.

Wittgenstein: Meaning and Representation
An attempt to understand some of Wittgenstein's ideas and relate him to my area of interest.

The Problem of Qualia
A look at the problem of qualia

Dennett's Reduction of Intentionality
An exposition of Brentano and a look at Dennett's "Intentional Systems Theory"

The Theory of Mixset
Non-philosophical article in which I attempt to formalize the structure of a DJ mixset.



	GAMES SILBY Project CREW ABOUT EVENTS

	BRENT SILBY Articles in Philosophy 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. New Worlds, New Hope A comment on the continuing discovery of new planets. 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. On The Conceivability of Zombies An analysis of the logical possibilty of zombies. On A Distinction Between Access and Phenomenal Consciousness? An overview and discussion of the distinction put forward by Ned Block. Dretske's Alternative to HOT Theories of Consciousness The alternative to Higher Order Thought theories. Wittgenstein: Meaning and Representation An attempt to understand some of Wittgenstein's ideas and relate him to my area of interest. The Problem of Qualia A look at the problem of qualia Dennett's Reduction of Intentionality An exposition of Brentano and a look at Dennett's "Intentional Systems Theory" The Theory of Mixset Non-philosophical article in which I attempt to formalize the structure of a DJ mixset. (c) Brent Silby 1998-2007