what are some arguments against the idea that we are all just "brains in a vat" and that everything we see is created by computers hooked to our brains?
Oh, please! Who said that??
Humans have been creative far longer than computers have been around.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_history
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_computers
Be sure to check out External Links at the bottom of those webpages. You can search Google for other articles along those lines.
You can also research some of the most creative people in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Edison.
The philosophical idea that we are all just "brains in a vat" and our perceptions are generated by computers is known as the "Brain in a Vat" scenario. While it is an interesting thought experiment, there are several arguments against this concept. Here are some main arguments to consider:
1. Lack of evidence: There is no empirical evidence to support the claim that we are all living in a simulated reality created by computers. Until there is concrete evidence, it remains a mere speculative hypothesis.
2. Occam's Razor: Occam's Razor principle suggests that among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be preferred. In this case, the idea that our reality is simply a simulation requires many far-fetched assumptions, making it less likely than the more plausible assumption that our perceptions directly correspond to an external reality.
3. Existence of subjective experiences: Even if our reality is a simulation, the fact that we experience thoughts, emotions, sensations, and consciousness suggests that there is something more to our existence than being mere brains in a vat. The simulation hypothesis fails to explain the rich and complex nature of subjective experiences.
4. Consistency and coherence of reality: Our reality appears to follow consistent laws of physics and exhibits coherence in terms of cause and effect. The idea that a simulated reality could maintain such consistency and coherence across all experiences is highly complex and raises questions about the capabilities of the simulation creators.
5. Ethical implications: If we are all just brains in a vat, the concept raises ethical concerns regarding the autonomy, morality, and responsibility of individuals. It becomes difficult to establish a framework for ethics or personal accountability if our actions are controlled or manipulated by external forces.
While these arguments provide counterpoints to the "brains in a vat" scenario, it is important to note that philosophical questions such as this do not have definitive answers. Debating and exploring these ideas helps to expand our understanding and provoke further philosophical inquiry.