Anirban Bandyopadhyay - Computational Theory of the Mind

Does the mind work like a computer? Are mental processes the product of computation in that information processing is the essence of mind or consciousness? This view is popular among computer scientists but rejected by most philosophers. What can we learn about the mind by considering this computational theory?



Anirban Bandyopadhyay is a Senior Scientist at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba, Japan.


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[andrewl]

So if I understood correctly..

He is saying that the brain is not computable (ie we can't recreate it artificially) in the sense that most theorists believe because it is not based on serial algorithms, ie one argument after another, but rather each molecule (or neuron I guess?) is sending information to many others back and forth, which creates billions of times more choices of action compared with a Turing machine model.

[dionysianapollomarx]

What he's saying is that the mind is not a linear system. The paper cutting rhetoric is about paper art, that's the metaphor. The arguments may involve the way paper is cut and the way it is connected to other pieces of paper which are cut in their own ways. If the arguments from a single paper form a body part of, say, an animal, you cannot reduce the body part to one source argument. There may be a minimalist reason based on categories of arguments used, but that's more of a principle concerning the arguments, that (1) it is cut and (2) it is connected. What he is appealing to is the notion that, while there are computational ways to study the mind, because processes of the mind does not follow a linear sequence, there are non-computational ways of studying the mind. In a way, this appeals to the notion of contingency (e.g. chance and randomness), but he does not cite specifics, since I think he might have more minimalistic purposes. He also says there's a bridge between computational theories (which are causal theories) and non-computational ones (which are dynamical or stochastic or probabilistic theories at minimum). If one uses logic, which has a sequence, for studying the mind, then it can only be something minimalistic, which fosters the groundwork for non-linear processes of the mind.

[dennistucker]

I think Anirban is correct about the always on, always processing of this mind.

[amol]

Their is inherent dormant intelligence in various chakras situated in human body. As the consciousness rise, these intelligence are released and add a level to existing awareness. The ultimate goal is singularity of existence. Complete and absolute.🙏

[swarnavosinha]

wonderful analysis of a complex subject

[Dion_Mustard]

can someone tell me what he means in a nut shell. all the cutting paper rhetoric got me lost..

[nunomaroco]

Hi there can you explain super determinism, all the best, amazing talks.

[raazbabbar]

if there is rhythm which causes symmetry, who first caused this rhythm?

[pmcate]

I really don't understand the paper cutting analogy he is making.

[philippemartin]

Hi, Dr Lawrence and good Day. I belived it will be with photon and human genitic. Yes probably after it will be interesting to just tried to computied to the structure of univers. Why not we already know that structure is about filaments and we have this great quantum computer Let's tried to compute I guess. Yes I know Electricity is probably where is conscience have is I dont know what. Actually photon and human genitic; lazer pulsions set to make appear . Sorry first as to set instruments like a type of sonnar with a accostic wave range, those wave are not very famous this Day. In the ancien era where China was so advance regarding frequence and especialy those wave that I"m tallking about. Actually I look Up at the same time in a manuscrits right now, . First again : to be abel to proof GOD direct interaction with are consiences. We have to find into are own human genitic this vibrations who make are cellules, sorry for my french, are cellules vibrantes. I juste for a minutes be able to find these frequency. To make GOD direct interaction with are cellules as to be about photons to be abel to reach us and make are cellules vibrantes. I will be back with some way better . Sincères amitiés Philippe Martin 😎🎶

[domcasmurro]

Good to see Cheb Khaled started a new carrer.

[jamesruscheinski]

Maybe computation decide how to do something after free will determine what to do.

[jeremyfisher]

I can handle most physics concepts pretty well but I have no idea what the fudge this guy is going on about... Badly executed analogy....

[mediocrates]

I don't get how the nature of consciousness can be elucidated by ignoring the fact that a lucid self is awake. Are you *avoiding* the point, i wonder.

[TupacMakaveli]

Analytic philosophers believe so. It’s is not just computation. It’s a product of God and we cannot make a similar one. -_-

[Bill..N]

Anirban said it himself in the beginning, computational theories of consciousness are philosophically beautiful..He should have stopped there.. From the perspective of philosophical naturalism, It seems painfully obvious, dare I say it, , SELF EVIDENT that consciousness arises from the complexities involved in selecting the BEST course of action from a myriad of possibilities.. In other words, its probably computational and THAT means that someday soon, A.I. will claim to be conscious, and we should believe them..A humble opinion..

[googleuser]

I like your philosophical questions and im sure that you will find great answers in islam the soul and problem of evil and free will and pure monotheism you can have a look to the quran its a great book much love.