Such a short question, yet so difficult to answer. This is one of the questions in philosophy that has attracted the most time, attention and controversy throughout history. Today, we looked at some things and we decided if we thought they were thinking things. Then we supplied our reasoning for why we think they are or they aren't. Now comes the hard part, how do we figure out what makes a thing in general a thinking thing. Sure, maybe its easy to say that only things with brains can think, but then what about computers? They have a kind-of brain, and they do similar stuff to humans, are they thinking? Maybe we want to say that thinking things are spontaneous and creative, but what does that mean? How can anything make a spontaneous decision in a world that is governed by the laws of nature?Your task now is to record your thinking at this point: what do you think makes something a thinking thing? Which criteria can we use to figure this out and why are they good criteria? Which kinds of things does your idea of thinking rule out, and which does it include?Write a minimum of 5 lines exploring these questions.

Determining what makes something a thinking thing is a complex task. One possible criterion could be the ability to process information and make decisions based on that information. This would include humans, animals, and even computers to some extent. However, this criterion might be too broad, as it could potentially include simple machines that process information in a very basic way.

Another possible criterion could be the ability to experience consciousness or self-awareness. This would include humans and possibly some animals, but would exclude computers and machines. However, this criterion is difficult to measure and verify, and it raises questions about what consciousness really is.

A third possible criterion could be the ability to learn and adapt to new situations. This would include humans, animals, and some advanced computers or AI systems. However, it might exclude simpler animals or machines that can't learn or adapt.

In conclusion, determining what makes something a thinking thing is a complex task that depends on how we define "thinking". Different criteria will include or exclude different kinds of things, and there may not be a single correct answer.