Re: Finding useful functions- part 1

From: dan michaels (feedbackdroids_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 10/27/04 

Date: 27 Oct 2004 09:44:15 -0700

"Bill Modlin" <modlin1@metrocast.net> wrote in message news:<C5WdnYeQmMllXODcRVn-3A@metrocastcablevision.com>...
> "dan michaels" <feedbackdroids@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:8d8494cf.0410250740.6968afef@posting.google.com...
> > "Bill Modlin" <modlin1@metrocast.net> wrote in message
> news:<2IOdnXgZS_WCFOHcRVn-jA@metrocastcablevision.com>...
> >
> >
> > > Overall, the point is that the functions computed by cells in
> the
> > > brain are largely determined by the correlations encountered in
> the
> > > signals accessible to the cell, rather than by genetic control.
> > >
> >
> > The problem comes if you believe this part so strongly that you
> gloss
> > over or disregard or downplay the underlying "foundation" for the
> > system as provided by genetics. Tabula rasa, it ain't.
>
> We've been here many times before, Dan. I'm not sure we actually
> disagree... at worst we quibble over just how much genetic structure
> is required. I certainly don't expect a huge random network with
> no initial structure to magically self-organize into a person... at
> the very least it has to be part of an organism with genetically
> endowed (or designed in, for a robot) initial behaviors and drives.
> Perhaps there is a lot more required.
>
> You seem to think that there may be a need for at least 30 subtly
> different frameworks to account for the 30-odd visual functional
> areas that you are fond of mentioning, and for all I know you could
> be right.
>
> Our main difference is in our perception of where best to focus our
> current efforts. I am still sufficiently impressed by the
> potential for self organization that I'd like to find out how far it
> can take us. If and when we find something that can't be made to
> work by self organization, then we can dig in and see what
> additional structure is needed to make it work.
>
> My impression is that you would have us spend many years finding out
> just how the brain does it all before even attempting to construct
> anything.
>
> My way, perhaps we'll find that we only need a handful of
> specialized structures and can be done in a few years. Worst case
> we waste a little time and wind up eventually digging out all the
> detail you wanted to start with. Your way we have no chance of
> early success. Place your bets... but me, I'd rather hope for
> something that might be finished in my lifetime.
>
> Bill

Darn, I made a long reply yesterday, but it didn't show up. Didn't
keep a copy either. ?????

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Finding useful functions- part 1
    ... >> system as provided by genetics. ... > potential for self organization that I'd like to find out how far it ... I think neuroscience has already given us plenty enough ... If it were that easy to do, then nature would have ...
    (sci.cognitive)
  • Re: Finding useful functions- part 1
    ... Finding useful functions- part 1 ... >> system as provided by genetics. ... > potential for self organization that I'd like to find out how far it ... I think neuroscience has already given us plenty enough ...
    (sci.cognitive)
  • Re: Finding useful functions- part 1
    ... the point is that the functions computed by cells in ... > system as provided by genetics. ... potential for self organization that I'd like to find out how far it ... just how the brain does it all before even attempting to construct ...
    (sci.cognitive)
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