diff --git a/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/ainotes.cls b/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/ainotes.cls new file mode 120000 index 0000000..c22704b --- /dev/null +++ b/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/ainotes.cls @@ -0,0 +1 @@ +../ainotes.cls \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/cn.tex b/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/cn.tex new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4f8a5f6 --- /dev/null +++ b/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/cn.tex @@ -0,0 +1,12 @@ +\documentclass[11pt]{ainotes} + +\title{Cognition and Neuroscience} +\date{2023 -- 2024} +\def\lastupdate{{PLACEHOLDER-LAST-UPDATE}} + +\begin{document} + + \makenotesfront + \input{./sections/_introduction.tex} + +\end{document} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/img/doubt.png b/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/img/doubt.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..91c97e9 Binary files /dev/null and b/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/img/doubt.png differ diff --git a/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/sections/_introduction.tex b/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/sections/_introduction.tex new file mode 100644 index 0000000..90323ed --- /dev/null +++ b/src/cognition-and-neuroscience/sections/_introduction.tex @@ -0,0 +1,133 @@ +\chapter{Introduction} + + + +\section{Definitions} + +\begin{description} + \item[Neuroscience] \marginnote{Neuroscience} + Study of the nervous system (structure aspects) on various levels of detail: + \begin{descriptionlist} + \item[Molecular] Proteins and molecular signaling of the nervous system. + \item[Cellular] Morphological and physiological properties of neurons. + \item[Neural system] Creation and functioning of networks of neurons. + \end{descriptionlist} + + + \item[Cognition] \marginnote{Cognition} + Mental processes (function aspects) that react to inputs. + It involves processes regarding the acquisition, storage, manipulation, and retrieval of information. + \begin{descriptionlist} + \item[Perception] Information from the environment. + \item[Attention] Focus on a specific stimulus in the environment. + \item[Learning] Merging new information with prior knowledge. + \item[Memory] Encoding, storing, and retrieving information. + \item[Action] Interact with the environment using perceived information. + \item[Language] Understanding and producing spoken or written thoughts. + \item[Higher reasoning] Decision-making and problem-solving. + \end{descriptionlist} + + + \item[Biomimicry] \marginnote{Biomimicry} + Solving problems by taking inspiration from elements of nature. + + As proof of general intelligence\footnote{\includegraphics[width=1cm]{img/doubt.png}}, + the human brain is taken as the model for artificial intelligence. + Moreover, a successful brain-inspired AI application can + provide a possibly plausible explanation of the functioning of the brain. + + However, a brain differs from a computer in many aspects: + \begin{itemize} + \item Hardware and software are distinct while mind and brain are not. + \item Machines learn by exploiting the capability of using a large memory + while brains have limited capacity but high generalization ability. + \item Brains produce both electrical and biochemical signals and + have feedforward, feedback, and recurrent connections + while machines typically only employ feedforward connections. + \end{itemize} + + \begin{description} + \item[Structure emulation] + Mimic or reverse engineer the structure of the brain (e.g. Blue Brain Project). + + \item[Function emulation] + Mimic a neural system on the algorithmic level (e.g. Deep Mind). + \end{description} + + + \item[Cognitive neuroscience] \marginnote{Cognitive neuroscience} + Study of the relationship between the physical brain and the intangible mind (thoughts, ideas). + In other words, it studies the relationship between structure and function. + + \begin{example}[Severed Corpus Callosum\footnote{\url{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfGwsAdS9Dc}}] + Normally, the right and left hemispheres of the brain can communicate. + Moreover, the left visual field is sent to the right hemisphere and + the right visual field is sent to the left hemisphere. + + In patients where the hemispheres are split, a text shown on the right visual side is recognized as + the speech capabilities are located in the left hemisphere, + while a text shown on the left visual side does not trigger any speech reaction. + \end{example} +\end{description} + + + +\section{Neuroscience history} + +Two main schools of thought emerged and are still the subject of ongoing debates: +\begin{descriptionlist} + \item[Localizationism] \marginnote{Localizationism} + Specific regions of the brain are responsible for particular faculties. + + Assuming localizationism, 52 distinct regions with different neurons can be identified. + + \item[Aggregate field theory] \marginnote{Aggregate field theory} + The brain works as a whole for mental functions. +\end{descriptionlist} + + +\subsection{Neuron doctrine} +\marginnote{Neuron doctrine} +The nervous system is made of a discrete amount of individual neurons (and not a continuous tissue). + +\begin{description} + \item[Principle of dynamic polarization] + Electrical signals in a neuron flow only in a single direction. + + \item[Principle of connectional specificity] + Neurons do not connect randomly but make specific connections at particular contact points. + + \item[Synapse] \marginnote{Synapse} + Point of contact of two neurons. A synapse can be chemical or electrical. +\end{description} + + + +\section{Cognitive science history} + +\begin{description} + \item[Rationalism] \marginnote{Rationalism} + All knowledge can be derived through reasoning, without sensory experiences. + + \item[Empiricism] \marginnote{Empiricism} + The brain starts as a blank slate and knowledge is added through sensory experiences. + + \item[Associationism] \marginnote{Associationism} + Inspired by empiricism. + Learning happens by correlating individual experiences (e.g. actions followed by a reward will be repeated). + + \item[Behaviorism] \marginnote{Behaviorism} + Inspired by empiricism. + Everyone has the same neural basis that is improved through learning. + Learning only involves observable behaviors. +\end{description} + +\begin{remark} + Associationism and behaviorism are not able to explain all types of learning (e.g. language). +\end{remark} + +\begin{description} + \item[Cognitivism] \marginnote{Cognitivism} + The psychological and biological levels of an individual cannot be separated. + Learning is based on the biology of the neurons. +\end{description} \ No newline at end of file