Episode 5 - Thought Experiments Made Real: A Philosopher on AI, Minds, and Learning

Creator

• Abhishek Chakraborty (Host), Lawrence UniversityFollow
• Mark Phelan, Lawrence UniversityFollow

Publication Date

Fall 10-23-2026

Description

Mark Phelan, Professor of Philosophy, Director of Lawrence’s Cognitive Science program, and Co-director of the AI Task Force at Lawrence, joins the show to discuss why large language models may be the biggest development in philosophy of mind in a generation. We also discuss whether LLMs can mean, intend, or know anything, the debate over AI-written philosophy, and the real risk of cognitive offloading, including what to hand to AI and what to keep for ourselves. Mark also takes us inside Philosophy 111: Computation and Cognition (offered in the Winter 2027 term) and shares advice for faculty and students on engaging with AI thoughtfully rather than reflexively.

Files

Recommended Citation

Chakraborty, Abhishek (Host) and Phelan, Mark, "Episode 5 - Thought Experiments Made Real: A Philosopher on AI, Minds, and Learning" (2026). Minding Machines. 6.
https://lux.lawrence.edu/minding_machines/6