V61.0053 Attempts to Model the Mind/Brain Using Computer Programs
Prof. Ray Dougherty
Fall 2007
Course 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 no survival advantage correlates with the brain's ability to introspect and understand its own operation. We examine novel 'graphically oriented' computer models of self-replicating machines, called Cellular Automata by Wolfram (A New Kind of Science) and by Kurzweil that define 'complexity' that correlates with language, cognition, and perception. We study Darwin's idea of 'Monstrosities' in relation to human evolution from earlier primates. No hard math required. Lectures use computer generated graphics, sounds, and animations.
Last Modified: April 24, 2007