Complexity, consciousness and attention

2. Complexity, consciousness and attention Paul Robinson 13 11 02

3. What am I doing here??

4. Plan • Paul’s journey • 2 research projects some reading • Computers as analogues of (metaphors for) the brain • Some neuroscience and philosophy

7. Literature Me now, current theory and conceptualisation. Patients Colleagues Memory and experience

8. Literature Me now, current world view. Patients Colleagues Memory and experience

9. Literature Me now, current world view. . Patients Colleagues Memory and experience

10. Literature Me now, current world view. . Patients Colleagues Memory and experience

12. COMPUTER DOCTOR PATIENT

13. Computers in the consulting room The iiCR project

14. Some observations from the iiCR project • Successful use of the computer in the consultation depends on apportioning attention, not dividing it. • GPs fail to respond to significant talk from the patient if they are concentrating on the computer

15. Some observations from the iiCR project • GPs can’t do multitasking • Researchers can’t do multitasking

16. Consciousness and Attention

17. Some Questions • How is it that I am conscious? • Are other people conscious? • Are animals conscious? • Can machines be conscious?

18. More Questions • Can attention be divided? • Is there only one consciousness per brain? • If so, why? • If not, where are the other ones?

19. Can machines be conscious? Does the Future Need Us?

20. Microchip Capacity • Chip capacity doubles every 18-24 months • Graham Moore (1965)

22. Complexity • Complex vs complicated • Complexity can’t be modelled • It can only be simulated

23. “Intelligent” Systems • Respond to users’ habits • Context - relevant information support • Generate natural language

24. “Intelligent” Systems • Are based on modelling (so reduce complexity) • Are limited by the knowledge and imagination of the designer • Are limited by the skill of the builder

25. Programmes and Networks

26. WISARD • 1982 • 256 x 256 pixels • Facial recognition

27. MAGNUS • 1992 • 256 x 256 pixels • “iconic” feedback shows inner state of the network

29. Perception

30. Perception • Qualia • Neuroscience • Pre-afferent perception • Time to assemble an image (0.3 - 0.6s) • Diverse areas of cerebral cortex involved • Consciousness as a construct

31. Perception • Cerebral cortex as a simulator • The brain as scientist • Consciousness as an awareness of the simulation

32. Perception and consciousness • Ball sports • Decision making

35. The Cerebral Cortex Provides a Simulation of The World (?)

36. The Cerebral Cortex Provides a Simulation of The World Outside world Simulated inside the brain

37. And Conscious Awareness Emerges From The Simulation

38. Plato’s cave revisited Conscious attention episode Outside world Simulated inside the brain

39. Plato’s cave

40. Limits of attention • 8 digits • 5-6 options • G X BE • Rules of thumb (heuristics)

41. Resolving simple and complex • Chunking • Narrative

42. Plato’s cave revisited Conscious attention episode Story Outside world Simulated inside the brain

44. KolbExperiential learning cycle Concreteexperience Abstract conceptualisation

45. KolbExperiential learning cycle Concreteexperience Active experimentation Reflective observation Abstract conceptualisation

46. KolbExperiential learning cycle Concreteexperience Active experimentation Reflective observation Abstract conceptualisation

47. THE LITERATURE COLLEAGUES C L I E N T S Me, now. Current Theory Memory and experience

48. Abstract conceptualisations • Model • Semantic network • Schema

49. Schema • Narrative • Expectation • Scripts • Modulate perception • Back-grounding and the cognitive continuum

50. Communities of Practice Lave and Wenger • Reification: a document or idea or code (like popper w 3). • Participation: activity of the group (community). • The one is meaningless without the other.. Meaning is generated by the interaction, and learning (creation of knowledge) occurs as meanings change.