Neuroscience Paradigms and Artificial Intelligence - Reflections of a Neurosurgeon

Description

There is a difference between intelligence and cognition. In this book we define intelligence as the ability to acquire information, to process information through the cognitive paradigms of information, knowledge and wisdom and to craft a cognitive or a motor output. The first and third phases are replicated in AI and in robotics. It is in the second or the cognitive phase that humans superiority is sustained. Every aspect of human intelligence acquires a perfection of process which AI can emulate. There are biological aspects of cognition that AI may never be able to replicate. The cognitive process invokes a living intellect. Information intake is through sensory portals. The constant inflow of information is interrupted only during sleep. Yet, we perceive only a fraction of what we see. We choose to record and to process what is relevant and novel. Information is consolidated into memory sachets in the Hippocampus. These memories are moved to the Neocortex for storage. The Pre-Frontal Neocortex stores information in 'Gist' form. The Gists are coded in language. It is the ability to manipulate language-coded Gist information that proffers humans a cognitive edge. Detailed information repositories in the accessory cortex connect to the Gist information through the Caudate nucleus. The Caudate nucleus is an index for our memories, a gateway to our cognition. While information is transported in the multidimensional synaptic maze, the ultimate archives are intra-neuronal. Dreams are the result of the intra-neuronal churn when information from the synaptic maze moves into neurons. Information processing involves multiple filters for relevance and novelty. It also involves short cuts. Many life- preserving protective reflexes are at the level of the Thalamus. The Thalamus can perceive pain and temperature. Hazard information through other sensory portals can evoke Thalamic level shortcuts. Protective reflexes like ducking a blow or starting to flee from a hazard are initiated before cortical processing is complete. Cortical rationalization modifies these responses. Amygdala activation along with a trained Thalamic reflex may persevere inappropriately resulting in some of the more bizarre manifestations of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The human motor system is a marvel. The infant toddles into childhood. Intrinsic feedback systems record the nuances of each failure and each success. A perfected motor system allows us to waltz and Ballet through life. Cognitive output too is perfected through application. The babbling babe forms words, talks and later discourses his journey of erudition through corridors of innovation. The least understood aspect of brain function is the second phase. This is where information meets Biology. Concepts and learning are acquired against an inherited template. A species specific template codes how an animal ambulates and lives. Intra-species variability provides for the spectrum of cognitive capability and range evoking a vibrant diversity in the human social fabric. Learning is a layered process.Information we imbibe interacts with our neuronal core. learning facilitates learning. Each layer of information allows the next. In the cognitive intra-neuronal churn concepts evolve and are tempered and seasoned with personality flavors. Hippocampal memory modules move to neocortical zones in the NREM phase of sleep. Information from the synaptic maze moves intraneuronally during REM sleep. this is when dreams occur. The neuronal churn results in a spillover. This book is a cornucopia of concepts. It is my way of paying homage to the many hundreds of patients with neurological diseases I have operated upon. Many concepts in this book may not survive the touchstone of time. Newer concepts will replace older ones. Read On.