Demystifying AI - Understanding Parallels in Artificial Intelligence & Neuroscience
Action Potentials The nervous system is the body’s computational device. To date, the structure and function of this system have inspired the development of computers and networking systems, notably in the field of artificial intelligence.
Project Description
This paper outlines the connections between the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern neuroscience. I believe that by studying these two multidisciplinary topics, we will gain a mindful understanding of how we learn, be better able to analyze data by encoding for context and the identification of potential biases, and be able to develop technology and devices that not only replicate functions of the brain, but bring us closer to true artificial general intelligence.
Methods
After conducting a literature review on both the history and advancements of artificial intelligence and neuroscience, I developed a proposal grounded in the need to understand different approaches to artificial intelligence from a novice perspective. I began my research by creating a historical timeline of technological advances with the point of origin being Alan Turing’s seminal 1950 paper, “Computing machinery and intelligence,” and overlaid this on the chart of Moore’s Law. In this work, Turing provides a definition of AI rooted in the structure of human knowledge from computational, behavioral, and cognitive perspectives. I determined that in order to fully appreciate the drive to develop artificial general intelligence, I needed to highlight why specific events that illustrated cognitive parallels to human intelligence were significant. Next, I showed my work to my fellow classmates during a work-in-progress presentation. Based on their feedback, I edited my paper to appeal to a general audience.
Critical Perspective
As a researcher attracted to the wider applications of data to human computer interaction design, this project assisted in refining my interests. While the road to artificial general intelligence is long and circuitous, it is not enough for us to build blindly towards this future without understanding and respecting who we are as sentient creatures. The human ability to contextualize information, form opinions, and imagine are all unique to the individual, and tied to memories and sensations of their finite experiences. Therefore, we cannot continue to build technology in corporate silos without the contextual input of multiple disciplines and society at large.