COGS 100 Lecture 4: CogSci Lecture 4
7 Dec 2015
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3-way analogy: between mind, computers, and the brain. First level is independent of other levels. We can study it without knowing the others. Second level is independent of last level. These levels help us to generalize the concepts and better understand them. Thinking is like computing in that it applies procedures to mental representations (algorithms -> data structures) Evaluating theories of representation - how good is the theory about how we represent certain things: representational power, computational power. Language: psychological plausibility, neurological plausibility, practical applicability. Evaluation of a cognitive theory: must be computationally based. Should include computational steps to carry out task. Should be precise and detailed enough to be implemented on computers. We may need to progress our concepts of computation before it is a good theory. To address a cogsci understanding requires an understanding about computation: compatible with current knowledge about behavior and action.
