- #1
Kherubin
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I recently read a book on the theory of intelligence by Jeff Hawkins aptly titled 'On Intelligence' which I highly recommend. In it, Hawkins posits that the basis of human intelligence lies in the hierarchical structure of the neocortex.
Reading this book started me thinking about whether human intelligence is actually just one among many possible intelligences, or whether that is, in actuality, a contradiction in terms. Is human intelligence, by definition, the only kind that can exist?
Further to this, I would like to generalize the question even more. I think one of the myriad reasons intelligence fascinates us is because it appears that an esoteric, abstract phenomena arises from a, albeit complex, material predicate.
Along these lines, I have been wondering whether intelligence itself belongs to a 'set' (in the mathematical sense) of other potential physical phenomena. I am interested in what form this 'set' would take along with the other 'members' of the grouping. Perhaps intelligence is one of many, seemingly 'abstract' phenomena which can arise from the complex organization of matter.
I would like to hear the thoughts of others on this matter, and apologize if my musings are a little 'out there' for some people.
All the best, and happy philosophizing,
Kherubin
Jeff Hawkins said:How does the brain work?
The seat of intelligence is the neocortex. Even though it has a great number of abilities and powerful flexibility, the neocortex is surprisingly regular in its structural details. The different parts of the neocortex, whether they are responsible for vision, hearing, touch, or language, all work on the same principles. The key to understanding the neocortex is understanding these common principles and, in particular, its hierarchical structure. We will examine the neocortex in sufficient detail to show how its structure captures the structure of the world. -- On Intelligence
Reading this book started me thinking about whether human intelligence is actually just one among many possible intelligences, or whether that is, in actuality, a contradiction in terms. Is human intelligence, by definition, the only kind that can exist?
Further to this, I would like to generalize the question even more. I think one of the myriad reasons intelligence fascinates us is because it appears that an esoteric, abstract phenomena arises from a, albeit complex, material predicate.
Along these lines, I have been wondering whether intelligence itself belongs to a 'set' (in the mathematical sense) of other potential physical phenomena. I am interested in what form this 'set' would take along with the other 'members' of the grouping. Perhaps intelligence is one of many, seemingly 'abstract' phenomena which can arise from the complex organization of matter.
I would like to hear the thoughts of others on this matter, and apologize if my musings are a little 'out there' for some people.
All the best, and happy philosophizing,
Kherubin