Book Review: "Mind" by John Searle

Introduction

John Searle’s book Mind makes a significant impact on the concept of rational action and offers insights into the issue of free will. The book also marks a shift in John’s thinking since he published The Rediscovery of the Mind in 1992. He explores how consciousness causes certain events in ways that cannot be fully explained by the reactions of neurons in humans (Searle, 1992). In his book, he suggests the possibility of non-human concepts and how these systems might cause humans to behave in specific ways or cause particular events to occur (Searle, 2004). The main focus of the book is on what Searle calls the conventional model of human perspective and the rationality behind how humans construct alternative models.

The Classical Model of Human Action

According to Searle, the classical model centers on the idea that human actions are driven by the desires and beliefs of individuals. He suggests that the ultimate desires of humans are not subjected to rational limitations, and in fact, these desires are influenced by rationality through concrete reasoning, which leads to the fulfillment of human desires. Other components of the classical model include: first, rationality is influenced by adherence to rules; second, desires should be consistent; and third, willpower can only emerge when psychological occurrences of actions are not accurate (Searle, 2004). In his book, Searle discusses these classical models in chapter one, arguing against them in his typical direct and candid manner. He introduces how the primary concern of the book demonstrates that assumptions and variations in decision-making are subject to pre-assumptions influenced by different reasons (Searle, 1992). He elaborates on his perspective regarding decision-making and how alternative theories are crucial to justifying theories about decision-making and the ideologies behind these matters.

Intentions, Actions, and Ideas

The basic arrangement of intentions, actions, and ideas is examined in chapter two, laying the foundation for originality. This chapter highlights that gaps in various endeavors related to satisfaction and acceptance revolve around three major gaps. The first explanation involves prior intentions to act and the reasons behind these actions; the second involves prior motives to act and the intentions behind these actions; and the third involves the motivation behind the intentions to act and the means of executing the intended action to completion (Searle, 2004). Chapter three continues the discussion from chapter two, examining the stipulated gaps. The chapter suggests that the intelligence within these gaps involves a complex non-human impression of self-being. This impression necessitates consciousness, persistence over time, operating under specific constraints, human decision-making regarding the initiation and implementation of actions under the presumption of free will, and taking responsibility for actions already undertaken (Searle, 2004). According to Searle, there is no justification for actions taken by various individuals in different circumstances, and the gaps explained do not provide a basis for determining actions nor sufficient clarification.

Rational Structures of Reasons

Chapter four of Searle’s book illustrates the rational structures of reasons. He argues that inter alia possess propositional arrangements and must be linked to the reasons they serve. If the inter alia are to operate in a mediating deliberation and justify the action, they must participate in the entire justification process. However, if the reflection is to be rational, the interline should not differ from reasons emerging from external agents but rather believe and recognize the essential reasons. The chapter further explains that actions must involve certain elements that act as motivators, which can be internal, such as desires, or external, like wants, needs, or obligations (Searle, 1992). Therefore, rationality in decision-making entails acknowledging key motivators, assessing their comparative weights, appreciating and judging significant non-motivational details, and justifying these grounds to explain specific reasons for actions.

Motivations and Actions

Chapters five and six of Searle’s book delve into the reasons behind certain actions. The author argues that there are reasons that the majority may not desire. Certain motivators do not determine or fulfill obligations. He posits that language use entails a commitment to its wide applications, applicable to oneself and others. For instance, when it comes to a personal desire to attain something, the need should extend to what others want or desire in a similar situation (Szasz, 2002). Accordingly, if my desires are determined by other people’s efforts to achieve them, it becomes evident that one should be motivated to help others achieve their needs, a point Searle supports in this chapter. He further emphasizes that desires are personal, and everyone develops them and commits to achieving them, thus justifying that actions are personally driven, as desires originate from within humans rather than external sources (Searle, 2004).

Free Will and Rationality

Chapter seven of the book discusses Searle’s stance on various models, emphasizing that the classical model does not consider one's will and how the weakness of the will affects actions. Chapter eight conveys a clear message that there is no sound logic for real reasoning. In his book, Searle contrasts the rational relationship between properties with the relationship between rational constraints on belief. Chapter nine addresses the issue of free will, implying that life’s gaps and certain actions involve psychological issues. He explains that the specification of psychological concerns is insufficient to determine outcomes. Searle argues that the real-life gap concerning free will does not relate to neurobiological facts. In fact, the question regarding the relationship between neurobiological facts and how they cause efficiency in humans remains unanswered due to the complexity of the issue (Szasz, 2002).

Conclusion

In summary, Searle’s book is straightforward and characteristically clear, considering his arguments regarding specific issues like free will and the cause of actions, which are major themes throughout the book. His arguments are persuasive and justifiable in the way he presents his viewpoint on these matters. However, his arguments may not align with various viewpoints, as there are diverse opinions and reasons regarding the issue. Although he makes assumptions or presents his ideas regarding commitments as inner motives, his sentiments do not fully address how commitments and recognition determine motives for actions. It remains unclear how the generality of language and its impact on actions are related.

In any event, it is reasonable to assume that situations where we can relate rationality to some of our needs do not align with Searle's opinions. Conversely, Searle makes a strong case for the notion that no algorithm exists for any kind of practical rationality. Despite this, he sheds light on what constitutes satisfactory rational reasoning. The author insinuates that in the absence of algorithms, the way individuals execute their duties has the potential to explain relevant motivators and other non-motivating facts of the current system. Additionally, it is crucial to distinguish superior from inferior performances regarding the kind of work each person does. Some guiding principles are needed not only in plausible hypothetical reasoning but also in practical reasoning. These are the main reasons compelling me to recommend this book for its contributions to the philosophy of concrete or practical reasoning.

References

• Searle, J. R. (1992). The Rediscovery of the Mind. MIT Press.
• Searle, J. R. (2004). Mind. Oxford University Press.
• Szasz, T. (2002). Language and Thought. Harper & Row.