LING-UA 53 - Attempts to Model Mind and Brain Using Computers

Institution:

New York University

Subject:

Description:

We examine the possibility that in the evolution of human and animal brains, no selectional pressure existed for any brain to evolve to understand its own principles of operation. Brain tissues, and the functional capacities correlated with them, evolved to increase perceptual, cognitive, and language capacities to aid in eluding predators, capturing prey, mate selection, nest building, infant rearing-all novel evolved complexity-yielding survival advantages. We argue that no survival advantage correlates with the brain's ability to introspect and understand its own operation. We examine novel "graphically orientated" computer models of self-replicating machines called "cellular automata" by Wolfram (A New Kind of Science) and Kurzweil, which define "complexity" that correlates with languages, cognition, and perception. We study Darwin's idea of "monstrosities" in relation to human evolution from earlier primates. No hard math is required. Lectures use computer-generated graphics, sound, and animation.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.nyu.edu

Phone Number:

(212) 998-1212

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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