Computers Quote by Will Durant
““IV. IS MAN A MACHINE? Yes, said Julien Offroy de La Mettrie.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Civilization, Volume 2, 1935
Durant quotes Julien Offroy de La Mettrie's question about whether humans are merely machines, prompting reflection on determinism and free will.
In simple terms: Durant references La Mettrie's query on humans as machines.
Consider the balance between mechanistic biology and personal agency.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- debates on AI
- neuroscience
- ethics discussions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do we act like machines?
- What defines true agency?
It overlooks subjective experience beyond physical processes.