The Extent to which ‘Consciousness’ poses a problem for the Computational Theory of Mind

The Extent to which ‘Consciousness’ poses a problem for the Computational Theory of Mind

Author: Sebastian A. Wagner

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2011-04-19

Total Pages: 16

ISBN-13: 3640896467

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Essay from the year 2008 in the subject Psychology - General, grade: 1,7, University of Derby (Institut für Psychologie), course: Cognitive Psychology, language: English, abstract: In Psychology, many theories and models use process charts resembling circuit diagrams of technical devices. In this account, human behaviour and experience appears to be the result of processes taking place in the ‘black box’ named cognition. In this context, “computationalism is the view that computation [...] can offer an explanatory basis for cognition” (Davenport, 2008, p.1). The Computational Theory of Mind (CTM) has developed on this foundation, attempting to reveal what is inside this ‘black box’. In contrast, human consciousness being a part of cognition (Harnad, 1994) seems to be beyond any scientific explanation. This essay will critically discuss the extent to which consciousness poses a problem for the CTM – regarding issues surrounding consciousness as an area of scientific study, the extent to which consciousness is explicable in computational terms, explanations of consciousness, and Dennett’s (1991) different account to consciousness. It will be argued that consciousness does pose a major problem for the CTM, especially when it is conceptualised as subjective experience. It will conclude that Cognitive Science should presently focus only on certain aspects of consciousness, called the easy problems.


Book Synopsis The Extent to which ‘Consciousness’ poses a problem for the Computational Theory of Mind by : Sebastian A. Wagner

Download or read book The Extent to which ‘Consciousness’ poses a problem for the Computational Theory of Mind written by Sebastian A. Wagner and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2011-04-19 with total page 16 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Essay from the year 2008 in the subject Psychology - General, grade: 1,7, University of Derby (Institut für Psychologie), course: Cognitive Psychology, language: English, abstract: In Psychology, many theories and models use process charts resembling circuit diagrams of technical devices. In this account, human behaviour and experience appears to be the result of processes taking place in the ‘black box’ named cognition. In this context, “computationalism is the view that computation [...] can offer an explanatory basis for cognition” (Davenport, 2008, p.1). The Computational Theory of Mind (CTM) has developed on this foundation, attempting to reveal what is inside this ‘black box’. In contrast, human consciousness being a part of cognition (Harnad, 1994) seems to be beyond any scientific explanation. This essay will critically discuss the extent to which consciousness poses a problem for the CTM – regarding issues surrounding consciousness as an area of scientific study, the extent to which consciousness is explicable in computational terms, explanations of consciousness, and Dennett’s (1991) different account to consciousness. It will be argued that consciousness does pose a major problem for the CTM, especially when it is conceptualised as subjective experience. It will conclude that Cognitive Science should presently focus only on certain aspects of consciousness, called the easy problems.

The Extent to Which Âconsciousness' Poses a Problem for the Computational Theory of Mind

The Extent to Which Âconsciousness' Poses a Problem for the Computational Theory of Mind

Author: Sebastian A. Wagner

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2011-04

Total Pages: 29

ISBN-13: 3640896572

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Essay from the year 2008 in the subject Psychology - General, grade: 1,7, University of Derby (Institut für Psychologie), course: Cognitive Psychology, language: English, abstract: In Psychology, many theories and models use process charts resembling circuit diagrams of technical devices. In this account, human behaviour and experience appears to be the result of processes taking place in the 'black box' named cognition. In this context, "computationalism is the view that computation [...] can offer an explanatory basis for cognition" (Davenport, 2008, p.1). The Computational Theory of Mind (CTM) has developed on this foundation, attempting to reveal what is inside this 'black box'. In contrast, human consciousness being a part of cognition (Harnad, 1994) seems to be beyond any scientific explanation. This essay will critically discuss the extent to which consciousness poses a problem for the CTM - regarding issues surrounding consciousness as an area of scientific study, the extent to which consciousness is explicable in computational terms, explanations of consciousness, and Dennett's (1991) different account to consciousness. It will be argued that consciousness does pose a major problem for the CTM, especially when it is conceptualised as subjective experience. It will conclude that Cognitive Science should presently focus only on certain aspects of consciousness, called the easy problems.


Book Synopsis The Extent to Which Âconsciousness' Poses a Problem for the Computational Theory of Mind by : Sebastian A. Wagner

Download or read book The Extent to Which Âconsciousness' Poses a Problem for the Computational Theory of Mind written by Sebastian A. Wagner and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2011-04 with total page 29 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Essay from the year 2008 in the subject Psychology - General, grade: 1,7, University of Derby (Institut für Psychologie), course: Cognitive Psychology, language: English, abstract: In Psychology, many theories and models use process charts resembling circuit diagrams of technical devices. In this account, human behaviour and experience appears to be the result of processes taking place in the 'black box' named cognition. In this context, "computationalism is the view that computation [...] can offer an explanatory basis for cognition" (Davenport, 2008, p.1). The Computational Theory of Mind (CTM) has developed on this foundation, attempting to reveal what is inside this 'black box'. In contrast, human consciousness being a part of cognition (Harnad, 1994) seems to be beyond any scientific explanation. This essay will critically discuss the extent to which consciousness poses a problem for the CTM - regarding issues surrounding consciousness as an area of scientific study, the extent to which consciousness is explicable in computational terms, explanations of consciousness, and Dennett's (1991) different account to consciousness. It will be argued that consciousness does pose a major problem for the CTM, especially when it is conceptualised as subjective experience. It will conclude that Cognitive Science should presently focus only on certain aspects of consciousness, called the easy problems.

A New Kind of Science

A New Kind of Science

Author: Stephen Wolfram

Publisher:

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 1197

ISBN-13: 9780713991161

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This work presents a series of dramatic discoveries never before made public. Starting from a collection of simple computer experiments---illustrated in the book by striking computer graphics---Wolfram shows how their unexpected results force a whole new way of looking at the operation of our universe. Wolfram uses his approach to tackle a remarkable array of fundamental problems in science: from the origin of the Second Law of thermodynamics, to the development of complexity in biology, the computational limitations of mathematics, the possibility of a truly fundamental theory of physics, and the interplay between free will and determinism.


Book Synopsis A New Kind of Science by : Stephen Wolfram

Download or read book A New Kind of Science written by Stephen Wolfram and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 1197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This work presents a series of dramatic discoveries never before made public. Starting from a collection of simple computer experiments---illustrated in the book by striking computer graphics---Wolfram shows how their unexpected results force a whole new way of looking at the operation of our universe. Wolfram uses his approach to tackle a remarkable array of fundamental problems in science: from the origin of the Second Law of thermodynamics, to the development of complexity in biology, the computational limitations of mathematics, the possibility of a truly fundamental theory of physics, and the interplay between free will and determinism.

The Mystery of Consciousness

The Mystery of Consciousness

Author: John R. Searle

Publisher: New York Review of Books

Published: 1990-01-01

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 9780940322066

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It has long been one of the most fundamental problems of philosophy, and it is now, John Searle writes, "the most important problem in the biological sciences": What is consciousness? Is my inner awareness of myself something separate from my body? In what began as a series of essays in The New York Review of Books, John Searle evaluates the positions on consciousness of such well-known scientists and philosophers as Francis Crick, Gerald Edelman, Roger Penrose, Daniel Dennett, David Chalmers, and Israel Rosenfield. He challenges claims that the mind works like a computer, and that brain functions can be reproduced by computer programs. With a sharp eye for confusion and contradiction, he points out which avenues of current research are most likely to come up with a biological examination of how conscious states are caused by the brain. Only when we understand how the brain works will we solve the mystery of consciousness, and only then will we begin to understand issues ranging from artificial intelligence to our very nature as human beings.


Book Synopsis The Mystery of Consciousness by : John R. Searle

Download or read book The Mystery of Consciousness written by John R. Searle and published by New York Review of Books. This book was released on 1990-01-01 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It has long been one of the most fundamental problems of philosophy, and it is now, John Searle writes, "the most important problem in the biological sciences": What is consciousness? Is my inner awareness of myself something separate from my body? In what began as a series of essays in The New York Review of Books, John Searle evaluates the positions on consciousness of such well-known scientists and philosophers as Francis Crick, Gerald Edelman, Roger Penrose, Daniel Dennett, David Chalmers, and Israel Rosenfield. He challenges claims that the mind works like a computer, and that brain functions can be reproduced by computer programs. With a sharp eye for confusion and contradiction, he points out which avenues of current research are most likely to come up with a biological examination of how conscious states are caused by the brain. Only when we understand how the brain works will we solve the mystery of consciousness, and only then will we begin to understand issues ranging from artificial intelligence to our very nature as human beings.

Mind Out of Matter

Mind Out of Matter

Author: G.R. Mulhauser

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 401

ISBN-13: 9401151040

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Mind Out of Matter aims to transform the way we think about consciousness and the physical world. Unlike many contemporary volumes, it develops a robust and philosophically satisfying account of the mind/body relationship without doing violence to fundamental physics. It expunges popular but ludicrous assumptions about the `in principle' capabilities of cognizers and, with the help of tools from mathematics and scientific fields, supplants flawed notions of representation, function, and mental state with objective and physically grounded alternatives. It debunks quantum theories of consciousness, constructs a simple zombie recipe, and evaluates recent research on chaotic analogue networks. This book is indispensable for readers in philosophy of mind, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence, and for mathematicians applying complexity theory or information theory to biological cognition. Audience: General academic/university libraries, plus university departmental libraries in philosophy, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and computer science. Researchers and specialists in philosophy of mind, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, artificial life, complexity theory, and information theory. Researchers in the telecommunications industry.


Book Synopsis Mind Out of Matter by : G.R. Mulhauser

Download or read book Mind Out of Matter written by G.R. Mulhauser and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 401 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mind Out of Matter aims to transform the way we think about consciousness and the physical world. Unlike many contemporary volumes, it develops a robust and philosophically satisfying account of the mind/body relationship without doing violence to fundamental physics. It expunges popular but ludicrous assumptions about the `in principle' capabilities of cognizers and, with the help of tools from mathematics and scientific fields, supplants flawed notions of representation, function, and mental state with objective and physically grounded alternatives. It debunks quantum theories of consciousness, constructs a simple zombie recipe, and evaluates recent research on chaotic analogue networks. This book is indispensable for readers in philosophy of mind, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence, and for mathematicians applying complexity theory or information theory to biological cognition. Audience: General academic/university libraries, plus university departmental libraries in philosophy, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and computer science. Researchers and specialists in philosophy of mind, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, artificial life, complexity theory, and information theory. Researchers in the telecommunications industry.

The Conscious Mind

The Conscious Mind

Author: David J. Chalmers

Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 436

ISBN-13: 9780195117899

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Writing in a rigorous, thought-provoking style, the author takes us on a far-reaching tour through the philosophical ramifications of consciousness, offering provocative insights into the relationship between mind and brain.


Book Synopsis The Conscious Mind by : David J. Chalmers

Download or read book The Conscious Mind written by David J. Chalmers and published by Oxford Paperbacks. This book was released on 1997 with total page 436 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Writing in a rigorous, thought-provoking style, the author takes us on a far-reaching tour through the philosophical ramifications of consciousness, offering provocative insights into the relationship between mind and brain.

The Computational Theory of Mind

The Computational Theory of Mind

Author: Matteo Colombo

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2023-11-29

Total Pages: 90

ISBN-13: 1009192833

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The Computational Theory of Mind says that the mind is a computing system. It has a long history going back to the idea that thought is a kind of computation. Its modern incarnation relies on analogies with contemporary computing technology and the use of computational models. It comes in many versions, some more plausible than others. This Element supports the theory primarily by its contribution to solving the mind-body problem, its ability to explain mental phenomena, and the success of computational modelling and artificial intelligence. To be turned into an adequate theory, it needs to be made compatible with the tractability of cognition, the situatedness and dynamical aspects of the mind, the way the brain works, intentionality, and consciousness.


Book Synopsis The Computational Theory of Mind by : Matteo Colombo

Download or read book The Computational Theory of Mind written by Matteo Colombo and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2023-11-29 with total page 90 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Computational Theory of Mind says that the mind is a computing system. It has a long history going back to the idea that thought is a kind of computation. Its modern incarnation relies on analogies with contemporary computing technology and the use of computational models. It comes in many versions, some more plausible than others. This Element supports the theory primarily by its contribution to solving the mind-body problem, its ability to explain mental phenomena, and the success of computational modelling and artificial intelligence. To be turned into an adequate theory, it needs to be made compatible with the tractability of cognition, the situatedness and dynamical aspects of the mind, the way the brain works, intentionality, and consciousness.

Meaning and Cognitive Structure

Meaning and Cognitive Structure

Author: University of Western Ontario. Centre for Cognitive Science

Publisher: Praeger

Published: 1986

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13:

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Few areas of study have led to such close and intense interactions among computer scientists, psychologists, and philosophers as the area now referred to as cognitive science. Within this discipline, few problems have inspired as much debate as the use of notions such as meaning, intentionality, or the semantic content of mental states in explaining human behavior. The set of problems surrounding these notions have been viewed by some observers as threatening the foundations of cognitive science as currently conceived, and by others as providing a new and scientifically sound formulation of certain classical problems in the philosophy of mind. The chapters in this volume help bridge the gap among contributing disciplines-computer science, philosophy, psychology, neuroscience-and discuss the problems posed from various perspectives.


Book Synopsis Meaning and Cognitive Structure by : University of Western Ontario. Centre for Cognitive Science

Download or read book Meaning and Cognitive Structure written by University of Western Ontario. Centre for Cognitive Science and published by Praeger. This book was released on 1986 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Few areas of study have led to such close and intense interactions among computer scientists, psychologists, and philosophers as the area now referred to as cognitive science. Within this discipline, few problems have inspired as much debate as the use of notions such as meaning, intentionality, or the semantic content of mental states in explaining human behavior. The set of problems surrounding these notions have been viewed by some observers as threatening the foundations of cognitive science as currently conceived, and by others as providing a new and scientifically sound formulation of certain classical problems in the philosophy of mind. The chapters in this volume help bridge the gap among contributing disciplines-computer science, philosophy, psychology, neuroscience-and discuss the problems posed from various perspectives.

Hard Problem of Consciousness

Hard Problem of Consciousness

Author: Fouad Sabry

Publisher: One Billion Knowledgeable

Published: 2023-07-03

Total Pages: 215

ISBN-13:

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What Is Hard Problem of Consciousness The difficult problem of consciousness investigates why and how humans have phenomenal experiences, also known as qualia. This is in contrast to the so-called "easy problems" of explaining the physical processes that enable humans and other animals the ability to differentiate between things, integrate information, and other similar tasks. The only thing that is required to find a solution to an issue of this nature is to specifically identify the mechanisms that are responsible for carrying out the relevant activities. David Chalmers, a prominent philosopher, contends that even if we find answers to all of the simpler questions regarding the brain and experience, the most difficult questions will still be unanswered. How You Will Benefit (I) Insights, and validations about the following topics: Chapter 1: Hard problem of consciousness Chapter 2: Consciousness Chapter 3: David Chalmers Chapter 4: The Conscious Mind Chapter 5: Qualia Chapter 6: Philosophy of mind Chapter 7: Epiphenomenalism Chapter 8: Artificial consciousness Chapter 9: Explanatory gap Chapter 10: Panpsychism (II) Answering the public top questions about hard problem of consciousness. (III) Real world examples for the usage of hard problem of consciousness in many fields. (IV) 17 appendices to explain, briefly, 266 emerging technologies in each industry to have 360-degree full understanding of hard problem of consciousness' technologies. Who This Book Is For Professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those who want to go beyond basic knowledge or information for any kind of hard problem of consciousness.


Book Synopsis Hard Problem of Consciousness by : Fouad Sabry

Download or read book Hard Problem of Consciousness written by Fouad Sabry and published by One Billion Knowledgeable. This book was released on 2023-07-03 with total page 215 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What Is Hard Problem of Consciousness The difficult problem of consciousness investigates why and how humans have phenomenal experiences, also known as qualia. This is in contrast to the so-called "easy problems" of explaining the physical processes that enable humans and other animals the ability to differentiate between things, integrate information, and other similar tasks. The only thing that is required to find a solution to an issue of this nature is to specifically identify the mechanisms that are responsible for carrying out the relevant activities. David Chalmers, a prominent philosopher, contends that even if we find answers to all of the simpler questions regarding the brain and experience, the most difficult questions will still be unanswered. How You Will Benefit (I) Insights, and validations about the following topics: Chapter 1: Hard problem of consciousness Chapter 2: Consciousness Chapter 3: David Chalmers Chapter 4: The Conscious Mind Chapter 5: Qualia Chapter 6: Philosophy of mind Chapter 7: Epiphenomenalism Chapter 8: Artificial consciousness Chapter 9: Explanatory gap Chapter 10: Panpsychism (II) Answering the public top questions about hard problem of consciousness. (III) Real world examples for the usage of hard problem of consciousness in many fields. (IV) 17 appendices to explain, briefly, 266 emerging technologies in each industry to have 360-degree full understanding of hard problem of consciousness' technologies. Who This Book Is For Professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those who want to go beyond basic knowledge or information for any kind of hard problem of consciousness.

Cognition, Computation, and Consciousness

Cognition, Computation, and Consciousness

Author: Masao Ito

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 1997-05-29

Total Pages: 281

ISBN-13: 0191660752

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The topic of consciousness is truly multidisciplinary, attracting researchers and theorists from diverse backgrounds. It is now widely accepted that previously disparate areas all have contributions to make to the understanding of the nature of consciousness. Thus, we now have computational scientists, neuroscientists, and philosophers all engaged in the same effort. This book illustrates these three approaches, with chapters provided by some of the most important and provocative figures in the field. The first section is concerned with philosophical approaches to consciousness. One of the fundamental issues here is that of subjective feeling or qualia. The second section focuses on approaches from cognitive neuroscience. Patients with different types of neurological problems, and new imaging techniques, provide rich sources of data for studying how consciousness relates to brain function. The third section includes computational approaches looking at the quantitative relationship between brain processes and conscious experience. Cognition, Computation, and Consciousness represents a uniquely integrated and current account of this most fascinating and intractable subject.


Book Synopsis Cognition, Computation, and Consciousness by : Masao Ito

Download or read book Cognition, Computation, and Consciousness written by Masao Ito and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 1997-05-29 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The topic of consciousness is truly multidisciplinary, attracting researchers and theorists from diverse backgrounds. It is now widely accepted that previously disparate areas all have contributions to make to the understanding of the nature of consciousness. Thus, we now have computational scientists, neuroscientists, and philosophers all engaged in the same effort. This book illustrates these three approaches, with chapters provided by some of the most important and provocative figures in the field. The first section is concerned with philosophical approaches to consciousness. One of the fundamental issues here is that of subjective feeling or qualia. The second section focuses on approaches from cognitive neuroscience. Patients with different types of neurological problems, and new imaging techniques, provide rich sources of data for studying how consciousness relates to brain function. The third section includes computational approaches looking at the quantitative relationship between brain processes and conscious experience. Cognition, Computation, and Consciousness represents a uniquely integrated and current account of this most fascinating and intractable subject.