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You might enjoy Dennett’s “The Intentional Stance” for some enlightening exploration of this metaphor, e.g. “The thermostat tries to keep the temperature betwee
by gumby 3y ago
You might enjoy Dennett’s “The Intentional Stance” for some enlightening exploration of this metaphor, e.g. “The thermostat tries to keep the temperature between 67 and 69” not only makes sense but is a useful way to think of it even when we don’t believe the thermostat has agency.
- jononomo 3y agoThe thermostat was ultimately designed by a mind that has objectives. That is why it tries to control the temperature.
- freedomben 3y agoWhat about the ocean? The ocean also "tries" to keep the temperature steady.
- rexer 3y agoThat one doesn’t quite work for me. A thermostat has a purpose: keep a temperature. An ocean doesn’t really have a purpose.