"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis

Dr. Michael Levin on Embodied Minds and Cognitive Agents

Feb 9, 2024

01:25:43

Snipd AI

Dr. Michael Levin, Distinguished Professor of Biology at Tufts University, discusses embodied minds, limb regeneration, collective intelligence, and the blurring distinction between life and machines in this engaging episode.

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Quick takeaways

Binary categories like life and machine are subjective and dependent on perspective, challenging traditional distinctions.

Intelligence can exist at small scales, debunking the notion that it is exclusive to larger systems.

Categorical distinctions based on origin or manufacturing process are inadequate for understanding unconventional embodiments.

Exploration of cognitive boundaries requires reevaluating understanding and developing new frameworks to navigate complex phenomena.

Deep dives

Emergence and the Blurring of Boundaries

The distinction between life and machine, as well as other binary categories like emergent and non-emergent, is subjective and dependent on the observer's perspective. These terms serve as engineering protocol claims, representing different models and utility from different viewpoints. The idea of emergence is tied to surprise and can vary from observer to observer. It is important not to make assumptions about these categories, as they do not have objective truths. Experimental investigations and empirical evidence are essential in understanding the capabilities and behaviors of different systems.

Decentralized Sorting Algorithm with Defective Cells

02:00

Embodiment Beyond Physical Presence

01:24

Engineering Protocol Claims

01:27

Embracing Complexity and Open-mindedness in Science

01:05

Introduction

4min

Reflecting on Knowledge and Emergence in AI Systems

5min

Exploring the Regenerative Capabilities of Flatworms and the Role of Electrical Signals

3min

Understanding electrical communication and manipulating patterns in cells

4min

Similarities Between Interpretability Techniques in AI and Biological Systems

17min

Behavior of Algorithms in Sorting and Clustering

5min

Blurring Distinction Between Life and Machines

21min

Understanding AI systems and the concept of embodiment

25min

In this episode, Dr Michael Levin, Distinguished Professor of Biology at Tufts University, joins Nathan to discuss embodied minds, his research into limb regeneration and collective intelligence, cognitive light cones, and much more. Michael and the Levin Lab work at the intersection of biology, artificial life, bioengineering, synthetic morphology, and cognitive science.

LINKS:

The Levin Lab and Dr. Michael Levin’s research: https://drmichaellevin.org/resources/

Dr Michael Levin’s blog: https://thoughtforms.life/about/

Tufts University Faculty Profile: https://as.tufts.edu/biology/people/faculty/michael-levin

Michael Levin @ Wyss Institute: https://wyss.harvard.edu/team/associate-faculty/michael-levin-ph-d/

Dr. Levin’s Research on Limb Regeneration: https://news.uchicago.edu/how-bioelectricity-could-regrow-limbs-and-organs

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@labenz (Nathan)

@drmichaellevin (Michael)

@CogRev_Podcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) Preview

(01:07) Intro and summary

(05:40) Xenobots, anthrobots and the other creatures created by Mike Levin

(09:39) Bioelectric memory rewriting

(15:01) Sponsor | BraveSearch API

(16:09) The difficulty of conducting simulations, which involve running forward passes to predict and alter electrical patterns

(20:30) The concept of backpropagation and mode switching in AI models

(23:06) Why humans do not regenerate their limbs

(37:10) Sponsor | Netsuite

(39:40) Learning from small and biological systems onto the concept of possible emergence

(45:16) The criticality of multiple scale questions and would a single scale?

(55:49) The concept of the cognitive light cone

(59:43) Advice on habits of mind and suggestions for inspiration on the AI side

(1:13:36) Mike's suggested directions for the AI developers

(1:24:49) Wrap & Sponsor | Omneky

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

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