Unlocking Consciousness

Lessons from the Convergence of Computing and Cognitive Psychology

In order to bridge the gap between artificial and synthetic intelligence, we must first understand our own intelligence. 'What is intelligence?' might appear as a simple question, but many great minds have agreed that there is no singular answer. Unlocking Consciousness attempts to examine this central question through exploring the convergence of computing, philosophy, cognitive neuroscience and biogenetics.

The book is the first of its kind to compare comprehensive definitions of both information and intelligence, an essential component to the advancement of computing into the realms of artificial intelligence. In examining explanations for intelligence, consciousness, memory and meaning from the perspective of a computer scientist, it offers routes that can be taken to augment natural and artificial intelligence, improving our own individual abilities, and even considering the potential for creating a prosthetic brain.

Unlocking Consciousness demonstrates that understanding intelligence is not just for the benefit of computer scientists, it is also of great value to those working in evolutionary, molecular and systems biology, cognitive neuroscience, genetics and biotechnology. In unlocking the secrets of intelligence and laying out the methods of which information is structured and processed, we can unlock a completely new theory of consciousness.

For additional published articles and appendices referenced in this title, readers can visit http://www.brainmindforum.org/ for further information.

Contents:

• Preface

• About the Author

• Introduction

• Philosophy

• Convergence:

  • Contribution of Computers: Predator or Partner?
  • State of the Art: Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Ideas, Past, Present and Future

• Information:

  • Sources of Information
  • Language
  • Representation of Information
  • Memory & Learning
  • Meaning

• Intelligence:

  • Summary of the Evolution of Intelligence
  • General and Responsive Intelligence
  • Aquisitive and Creative Intelligence
  • Physical, Emotional, Holistic and Medical Intelligence
  • Measurement, Implications and Extrapolation of Intelligence
  • The Many Languages and Powerful Tools of the Body
  • Definitions of Intelligence

• Consciousness:

  • Understanding Consciousness
  • Thinking, Knowledge and Creativity
  • The Synaptic Conjecture

• The Future:

  • The Future

• Bibliography

• List of Appendices

• Index

Readership: Computer scientists, software and electronic engineers, cognitive neuroscientists, researchers and the general public interested in the operation of the brain.
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