Complexity, Cognition & AI with Inês Hipólito | Living Mirrors #130
Jul 5, 2024
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Philosopher and Assistant Professor Inês Hipólito discusses cognition, complexity, and AI. They explore rejecting mental representations, embracing embodiment in cognitive science, and the intersection of AI, mental health, and culture. The podcast also delves into the influence of social and cultural contexts on scientific problem-solving and AI development, highlighting biases and the importance of diverse perspectives.
4E cognition challenges traditional computational theory, exploring embeddedness and embodiment.
Limitations of viewing brain as computational device, emphasizing social, cultural, and environmental factors.
Scientific models are epistemic tools, not ontological prescribers, AI must be understood in broader socio-cultural frameworks.
Deep dives
Overview of 4E Cognition Approach
The 4E cognition approach challenges the traditional computational theory of mind by exploring the concepts of embeddedness, embodiment, extended mind, and inactivism. It questions the idea that mental representations are the sole means to understand cognitive processes and rejects the premise that mental life can be reduced to computational models.
Critique of Traditional Cognitive Science Approaches
The podcast delves into the limitations of viewing the brain as a computational device, emphasizing the reductionist nature of computational theory of mind. It discusses how focusing solely on computational processes may overlook the richness of individual experiences and overlook the impact of social, cultural, and environmental factors on mental health and well-being.
Philosophical Considerations in Scientific Modeling
The episode highlights the importance of recognizing scientific models as epistemic tools rather than ontological prescribers. It explores the philosophical implications of Bayesian inference, complexity science, and predictive coding in understanding neural dynamics and emphasizes the distinction between models that aid understanding and those that prescribe reality.
Impact of AI on Cognitive Development and Ethics
The conversation transitions to the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on cognitive development, mental health, and societal dynamics. By situating AI development within social and cultural contexts, the discussion touches on how AI systems can reflect and reinforce existing socio-cultural norms, emphasizing the need to understand the diverse impacts of AI on individuals and communities.
Goal and Ethics of AI Development
The episode concludes with a consideration of the overarching goal of AI development, aiming to create systems that resemble human behavior. It explores the implications of large language models in achieving human-like interactions but also raises concerns about confabulation and ethical use of AI technologies. The discussion underscores the critical role of understanding AI within broader socio-cultural frameworks and power dynamics.
Inês Hipólito is a philosopher and an Assistant Professor at Macquarie University in Sydney, specialising in cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and Artificial Intelligence. She is the Founder and CEO of Mission AI and Lead Ethicist at VERSES AI. Today we discuss cognition, complexity, and Artificial Intelligence.
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