The Embodiment Argument (the idea that in order to become intelligent it is an absolute requirement that you have a body you can move around in order to explore the world) and its sibling The Enactment Argument (that you ALSO must be able to interact with the world) are very popular and have many adherents in our group. Scott Jackish gave a presentation about this some time ago.

Personally I happen to believe these arguments are overrated and I'd like to attempt to cast some doubt on them. This is not easy since these arguments are so compelling that when you first hear them you *want* to believe them because of anthropocentric bias. I can give a talk on the topic but there's a small chance I can get an external speaker to help me out or at least provide another viewpoint. If I can engage this external speaker, then it'll be "Two" strikes against. Otherwise, it'll just be me. A *very* lively discussion is expected to ensue.