Multiple Realizability and Turing's Test: The Transference

Abstract

The first part of the article introduces the following two concepts: multiple realizability and Turing’s test. The aim of the second part is to prove that both Turing’s test and multiple realizability use an identical line of reasoning. In the third part we present one of the objections against Turing’s test, which shows that the reasoning in part two is fallacious, and show how it can be solved by adding the so-called design criterion. This solution is then transferred to the multiple realizability thesis in part four, bringing us to a conclusion opposite to that of multiple realizability. This then leads us to the conclusion that the metaphysical conceivability of multiple realizability is the only reason for accepting it, which, as we show, is insufficient. In the fifth part we present a possible defence strategy of multiple realizability and the problems that may arise.