Thinking Machines: AI & Philosophy What if we could cure loneliness? Philosophy, dopamine, and more with Mark Ungless
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Feb 26, 2025 Mark Ungless, a neuroscientist and Director of AI at Mental Health Innovations, shares his insights on the biological roots of loneliness and the interplay between neuroscience and AI. He discusses how dopamine impacts human behavior and its parallels with reinforcement learning in AI. The conversation also dives into the philosophical implications of free will amidst evolving technology. Furthermore, Ungless explores innovative AI solutions for mental health, highlighting the potential for technology to enhance social interactions and support well-being.
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Dopamine and AI Learning
- Dopamine neuron activity resembles a temporal difference algorithm, suggesting AI learning models align with brain function.
- This similarity is notable given DeepMind's neuroscience background and may validate this learning approach.
AI and Brain Analogy
- While some argue AI's success is merely analogous to brains, early neural networks were brain-inspired.
- DeepMind's neuroscience roots suggest the models, at a fundamental level, draw inspiration from the nervous system.
Dopamine's Diverse Roles
- Research shows dopamine's role isn't solely reward-related; some neurons react to aversion like social isolation.
- Different dopamine systems likely handle different behaviors, challenging the monolithic reward prediction error theory.
