Stephen Grossberg: How Do Resonant Brains Make Conscious Minds?
Dec 15, 2023
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Stephen Grossberg, a prominent figure in the field of brain-mind research, discusses topics such as the hard problem of consciousness, information theories, panpsychist and quantum theories of consciousness, the link between morphogenesis and bioelectric communication, eliminative materialism, and the defining terms of consciousness and cognition. He also explains how his Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) addresses the concept of qualia and discusses his magnum opus on the conscious mind and resonant brain.
Consciousness requires sustained and energetic adaptive resonance for experiences to become conscious.
A powerful and principled computational theory is needed to explain neurobiological and cognitive phenomena.
Working memory is crucial for learning new categories while maintaining existing ones.
Deep dives
Distinctive features of resonance and consciousness
Professor Grossberg explains that not all resonant states are conscious, but all conscious experiences are resonant states. Consciousness requires sustained and energetic adaptive resonance, which resonates with external stimuli or internal memory representations. Without this sustained resonance, experiences do not become conscious. Neural circuits generate emergent properties through neuronal interactions, leading to a cycle of perception, cognition, emotion, and action. These resonant interactions enable learning and understanding of the environment, but not all neural resonances result in conscious experiences.
Linking hypothesis and the explanatory range
Professor Grossberg emphasizes the need for a powerful and principled computational theory that can explain the emergence of neurobiological and cognitive phenomena. The broad and deep explanatory range of a theory is crucial, as well as its ability to make predictions supported by subsequent data. He highlights the importance of comparative analysis and the evaluation of various theories in order to determine their strengths and weaknesses. He cautions against solipsistic approaches and emphasizes the value of constructive and interdisciplinary discussions.
Working memory and the self-organizing blackboard
Working memory is an essential aspect of cognition, allowing transient storage and manipulation of information. Professor Grossberg describes the challenges of working memory, such as the need to overcome the salience of known categories to organize new groupings. He presents his theory of a self-organizing blackboard for working memory, which provides a computational solution to learn new categories while maintaining existing ones. This theory is particularly relevant for language learning, dance, and sequential skills, enabling the formation of larger groupings and new meanings.
Complementary computing and the double helix
The podcast discusses the concept of complementary computing, drawing parallels with the double helix structure of DNA and RNA. Complementary computing is described as a way of bringing together complementary elements to form a more complete representation of information. The double helix structure is mentioned as an example of this complementary computing, highlighting the dynamic nature of DNA and RNA. The speaker emphasizes the presence of complementarity, uncertainty, and resonance as universal principles in nature, including in biological systems. These principles are seen as key to supporting animal intelligence.
Exploring consciousness, mind, and intentionality
The podcast delves into the topics of consciousness, mind, and intentionality. The speaker emphasizes the need for clear definitions and explains that words like 'learning' and 'thought' act as chapter headings that require further explanation. The principles of adaptive resonance, synchronization of resonances, and the combination of learning, expectation, attention, resonance, and synchrony are discussed in relation to the presence of consciousness. The speaker highlights the importance of studying data and the need for deep principle understanding to articulate new questions and explanations. The nature of intentionality is explored, with an emphasis on explanatory power and the role of science in understanding the mind and brain. The speaker also mentions the work of Gail Carpenter, his partner and a brilliant neural network modeler, emphasizing their collaborative scientific journey.
Stephen Grossberg is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics & Statistics, Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering at Boston University. He is Wang Professor of Cognitive and Neural Systems & Director of the Center for Adaptive Systems. He is a Cognitive Scientist, Theoretical and Computational Psychologist, Neuroscientist, Mathematician, Biomedical Engineer, and Neuromorphic Technologist. He has published 18 books or journal special issues, over 560 research articles, 7 patents and 100 000+ citations. He has been recognised for the past 50 years as the most important pioneer and current research leader who explains how our brains make our minds. Grossberg is often called the Einstein of the Mind.
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:00) - Introduction
(0:09) - Towards Solving The Hard Problem of Consciousness
(7:27) - Entering Neurons & Riding Electrons
(16:22) - Science of Brain vs Philosophy of Mind
(21:14) - Informational Theories
(27:30) - Panpsychist & Quantum Theories of Consciousness
(41:50) - Morphogensis & Bioelectric Communication's link to Adaptive Resonance
(50:00) - Consciousness vs Cognition (Defining terms)
(1:00:17) - Qualia, Intentionality & "Aboutness" of experience
(1:06:28) - Eliminative Materialism
(1:19:07) - When exaclty does brain become mind?
(1:32:30) - How Does Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) explain Qualia?
(1:38:09) - Conscious Mind, Resonant Brain (Steve's Magnum Opus)
(1:45:47) - Gale Carpenter's Pioneering Work (With & Without Steve)
(1:52:22) - Conclusion
EPISODE LINKS:
- Steve's Website: https://sites.bu.edu/steveg/
- Steve's Books: https://tinyurl.com/2jjvvbcs
- Steve's Publications: https://tinyurl.com/4mcr4pbk
- Paper Discussed: https://tinyurl.com/42ywzw8n
CONNECT:
- Website: https://tevinnaidu.com/
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- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtevinnaidu
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.
#StephenGrossberg #AdaptiveResonanceTheory #Consciousness #MindBodyProblem
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