Mind in Machine
Instructors: Anne Keuneke and Edward Vela
For thousands of years humans have struggled with the relationship between the mental and the physical, with the mind-body problem. With the rapid and numerous advancements in information processing in the past decades and the emergence of non-human autonomous agents, this relationship has become even more questioned. The study of Cognitive Science provides a rich mechanism for considering this problem. In particular, the course "Mind in the Machine" provides a unique forum for students to explore theories of cognition through the cross-pollination of viewpoints and methodologies available in three major areas of Cognitive Science, specifically, Artificial Intelligence, Psychology and Philosophy.
Concisely, the seminar deals with the impact of information technology on humanity's view of itself. Lectures and readings will focus on classic themes of scientific determinism, theories of artificial intelligence, current research in cognitive psychology and human information processing, and current philosophical themes reflecting the human self-concept. Students will present and defend papers on selected topics.
Textboooks:
Topics:
Review of current research and theory in the area of human cognition: This portion will focus on those research areas in cognitive psychology which reflect the independent work of theorists in the areas of computer and information science. Specifically, the areas of perception, memory, and problem-solving will be emphasized, and how these studies relate to learning in humans (and eventually research in machine learning).
Review of the basic concepts and methodologies of artificial intelligence: This portion of the course will focus on some of the classic ideas of automata, cybernetics and an overview of current techniques in AI research. Coverage will include such topics as Knowledge Representation, Expert Systems, and Natural Language Processing.
History of the concepts of determinism and free will: This portion of the course will cover the antecedents of the topic, as reflected in the philosophy, science and art of prior eras, beginning with the Greek philosophers and continuing through contemporary times. Effects of philosophical beliefs (mind/body) on the study and theories of cognition as well as effects of particular theories of mind on the study of cognition will be investigated.
Delineation of the problem of human identity in the present: This portion of the course will draw the prior portions of the course together in the discussion of what criteria are sufficient in defining "intelligence" or "humanity". What issues of concern arise due to the emergence of autonomous mechanical agents?
Seminar presentations of selected topics: This portion of the course will consist of student presentations of topics selected and approved earlier in the semester. See requirements outlined below.
Requirements: Because this course is a seminar, the papers read and presentations will be the major focus of evaluation. To maintain a sufficient level of student preparation and participation for both the lecture and seminar components of this class, students will be regularly responsible for leading discussions of the material. In addition, each student will be required to prepare and defend one large position paper.