How minds can be computational systems

Abstract

This essay explores the implications of the thesis that implementation is semantic interpretation. Implementation is (at least) a ternary relation: I is an implementation of an "Abstraction" A in some medium M. Examples are presented from the arts, from language, from computer science, and from cognitive science, where both brains and computers can be understood as implementing a "mind Abstraction". Implementations have side effects due to the implementing medium; these can account for several puzzles surrounding qualia. Finally, a benign argument for panpsychism is developed.