Human & Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Mind
Human Intelligence
Perception
Perception is the awareness of information gathered through our senses.
Memory
Memory is the capacity to recall the past. It preserves and reproduces past states of consciousness, recognized as having been lived. For example, remembering a weekend trip to the cinema involves recognizing the experience as something personally lived.
- Theory of Disuse: Unused neural connections weaken over time.
- Theory of Interference: Events occurring between learning and recall can hinder memory access.
- Theory of the Unconscious: The unconscious mind can suppress memories, making them inaccessible but not entirely lost.
Imagination
Imagination is the ability to think beyond sensory input, to invent new situations and mentally experience them. For example, imagining a Hawaiian beach while in philosophy class.
Feelings
Feelings are pervasive states of mind that give life meaning and motivation (e.g., joy, fear, disappointment). Enjoying philosophy books motivates further reading.
Emotions
Emotions are sudden, overwhelming affective states (e.g., crying from shame, blushing).
Passions
Passions are intense emotional states that dominate one’s psychic life (e.g., love, hate, phobias). Passions are irrational and defy reason.
Adaptability
Human intelligence allows flexible adaptation to varied environments. It involves evaluating options and choosing the most appropriate action. For example, helping a fallen woman on the street.
Animal Intelligence
Animals with longer childhoods tend to be more intelligent. Newborns with fully developed instincts have limited learning capacity. Bonobos, chimpanzees, and dolphins are among the most intelligent animals.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that enables computers to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence. This includes problem-solving and working with stored information by combining simple operations.
Dualism vs. Monism
Dualism
Dualism posits two substances: material (body) and spiritual (soul). Humans are composed of both. Beliefs in reincarnation and spiritualism are dualistic. The soul is seen as separate from the body and can continue after death. Love, for example, is considered more than just neuronal connections.
Monism (Materialism)
Monism asserts that only matter exists. The soul is a set of mental processes reducible to the physical. Memories, feelings, etc., are explained by neuronal connections (synapses). Monists view the soul as an invention of our ancestors. Memories and experiences are accumulated in the brain through chemical connections.
The Structure of the Psyche
Id
The Id is the primal, instinctual part of the human psyche, driven by the pleasure principle. It operates unconsciously and seeks immediate gratification.
Superego
The Superego represents internalized societal and cultural norms. It acts as the conscience, causing guilt or shame when violating moral principles.
Ego
The Ego mediates between the Id and Superego, striving for balance between impulses and social expectations. It makes decisions, often facing conflicting demands, such as choosing between studying and watching television.