One theory sits with the idea of a metaphorical shift of entities: the room we see is a metaphor for the human body and respectively, Dave Bowman, the main character, becomes a metaphor for the human mind. ... Instead, we are greeted with what appears to be an elaborately decorated hotel room void of doors and windows, complete with renaissance-like artwork and glowing floor tiles. ... What we are first presented with is a somewhat illogical mix of objects: a space pod sitting in the middle of a bright white room with geometric space-aged glowing floor tiling and furniture, artwork and wall de...

• Word Count: 1730
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

This is what is known as the problem with other minds. ... The first human is given the task of distinguishing between which of the conversations was with a human, and which was with a computer. ... Searle then supposes that he is sitting inside the computer (the "room"), and when presented with an input of Chinese characters, Searle consults a book of rules and creates a response that follows said rules. ... The truth is that the computer, like Searle, does not in fact understand Chinese and only is a manipulator of symbols, not knowing what the output actually "says.... This ...

• Word Count: 1527
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

During the previews, the theater distorted pictures of popcorn and candy and placed them into their previews along with the phrases "YOU ARE HUNGRY" and "YOU WANT CANDY AND POPCORN". ... The theater also released the scent of popcorn throughout the room in an extremely small dose to stimulate Jim subconsciously. ... The idea that people may be affected by unconscious stimuli may have originated with Democritus, when he mentioned, "Much is perceptible which is not perceived by us." ... A common error when dealing with subliminal messages, however, is mistaking subliminal for subtle. ... Sublimi...

• Word Count: 2256
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate