Philosophy of Computer Science

Final Exam

CSE/PHI 484/584, Spring 2010

3 May 2010


Do any 3 of the following. Write about 250–500 words for each answer. Put each answer in a separate blue book. Please put (1) your name, (2) today's date, and (3) the number of the question on the cover of each blue book.

This is a closed-book, closed-notes, closed-neighbor, open-mind exam.

No books, notebooks, food, beverages, or electronic devices of any kind are permitted in the exam room.


  1. Evaluate the following argument (note that it is similar to, but not exactly the same as, the argument in Position Paper #1):


  2. Evaluate the following argument:


  3. What is computer science?


  4. Can computers think?


  5. Choose either (a) or (b):

    1. In your opinion, what is the most fundamental or important question in the philosophy of computer science?

    2. What is a question that interests you in the philosophy of computer science that we did not discuss this semester?

    Pose the question, explain why you think it is important or interesting, and present your answer to it.


    Copyright © 2010 by William J. Rapaport (rapaport@buffalo.edu)
    http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/~rapaport/584/S10/584finalexam.html-20100422