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David Quigley

In this course, we will explore the history of cognitive science and the way these ideas shape how we think of artificial cognition.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
This week we will explore the history of automata and machines imitating life.
Tests and Thought Experiments
This week we will start to define the boundaries of intelligence, understanding, and related ideas from both human and machine perspectives.
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A Hard Problem
For the next two weeks, we will discuss how our understanding of cognition leads to differing definitions of problems.
Cognitive Problems in Computational Terms
We will continue discussing how our understanding of cognition leads to differing definitions of problems.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by David Quigley, who are recognized for their work in cognitive science
Examines the history of cognitive science, which is highly relevant to artificial cognition
Develops a foundation in understanding cognition, which is core skill in artificial intelligence
Prerequisites are required

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Reviews summary

Engaging exploration of ai and the mind

According to students, this course offers an engaging and informative introduction to artificial intelligence and the mind. Thought-provoking and challenging, learners embark on an exploration of AI's foundational principles and its impact on society. Easy to understand, the mix of videos, readings, and quizzes encourages deep understanding of this fascinating field.
Can be repetitive but overall helpful.
"Excellent. Quiz questions are tough to solve"
"The course is very informative,week 4 questions are very tough ...but finally course completed"
"Quizzes are poorly-constructed. See other reviews for specifics"
Can be challenging but rewarding.
"I​nteresting course. Hard sometimes as it covers a lot of subjects."
"This was a lot of fun and just the right amount of challenging at the end!"
"I really enjoyed it. Worked really hard to solve some of the questions and it really pays off."
Excellent presentation and engagement.
"The course instructor is excellent in approaching the parallels between psychology (mind) and computer science (machine) as foundational to the field of Artificial Intelligence."
"The course was really nice"
"Gives you a lot to think about. A great introduction to thinking about computational complexity and the mind vs the machine."
Well-rounded coverage of AI concepts.
"Good introduction to the concept of the mind and must-read papers."
"It is a good introduction to what is artificial intelligence and that has been sought or meaning from its origins."
"this course gives you a very good conceptual framework to understand the AI and other related systems that we are creating."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in What is “the mind” and what is artificial intelligence? with these activities:
Create a timeline of cognitive science history
Enhances understanding of the historical development of cognitive science and its impact on the field.
Browse courses on Cognitive Science
Show steps
  • Research key events and figures in cognitive science history
  • Organize the events chronologically
  • Create a visual representation of the timeline
Solve cognitive reasoning puzzles
Strengthens cognitive reasoning skills and improves problem-solving abilities.
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Find a collection of cognitive reasoning puzzles
  • Attempt to solve the puzzles
  • Review the solutions and identify areas for improvement
Read 'Cognitive Psychology' by Neisser
Provides a solid knowledge foundation of cognitive science and its principles.
View Cognitive Psychology on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters 1 through 5 and take notes.
  • Summarize key concepts and theories discussed in each chapter.
  • Identify the implications of cognitive science for understanding human cognition.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Follow tutorials on cognitive science experiments
Provides practical experience in conducting cognitive science experiments and reinforces understanding of experimental methods
Browse courses on Cognitive Science
Show steps
  • Identify relevant tutorials
  • Follow the steps outlined in the tutorials
  • Analyze the results and draw conclusions
Explore Cognitive Science Simulations and Experiments
Gain hands-on experience with cognitive science principles through interactive simulations and experiments.
Browse courses on Experiments
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources for cognitive science simulations and experiments.
  • Explore different types of simulations and experiments, such as those related to memory, attention, and perception.
  • Run simulations and conduct experiments, and analyze the results.
Build an automaton
Reinforces knowledge of automata and machine learning by applying theoretical concepts to a practical project.
Show steps
  • Design the automaton's structure and functionality
  • Implement the automaton using a programming language
  • Test and debug the automaton
Solve Sample Problems on Cognitive Tasks
Develop problem-solving skills in the context of cognitive tasks.
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Identify different types of cognitive tasks, such as memory, attention, and reasoning.
  • Solve sample problems related to each type of cognitive task.
  • Analyze the strategies and techniques used to solve the problems.
Join a Study Group for Collaborative Learning
Engage in discussions, share perspectives, and support each other's learning.
Browse courses on Collaborative Learning
Show steps
  • Find or form a study group with fellow students.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material, ask questions, and work on assignments.
  • Take turns leading discussions and presenting different perspectives.
Develop a Mind Map of Cognitive Science Concepts
Create a visual representation of cognitive science concepts to enhance understanding and retention.
Browse courses on Cognitive Science
Show steps
  • Brainstorm and list key concepts in cognitive science.
  • Organize the concepts into a hierarchical structure using a mind mapping tool.
  • Add connections, examples, and notes to the mind map.
  • Review and refine the mind map regularly.
Design and Conduct an Experiment on Cognitive Bias
Apply cognitive science principles to design and conduct an experiment, enhancing research skills.
Browse courses on Cognitive Bias
Show steps
  • Research cognitive biases and identify a specific bias to investigate.
  • Design an experiment to test the cognitive bias.
  • Conduct the experiment and collect data.
  • Analyze the data and interpret the results.
  • Write a report summarizing the experiment and findings.
Participate in a Cognitive Science Hackathon
Engage in a team-based competition to apply cognitive science principles to solve real-world problems.
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Find and register for a cognitive science hackathon.
  • Form a team with diverse skills and perspectives.
  • Identify a problem or challenge that can be addressed using cognitive science principles.
  • Develop a solution and create a prototype or presentation.
  • Present the solution to a panel of judges.

Career center

Learners who complete What is “the mind” and what is artificial intelligence? will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Computational Neuroscientist
Computational Neuroscientists develop computational models of the brain and nervous system. They may also work on natural language processing or computer vision projects. This course may be useful for this profession as it provides a foundation in the history and development of AI and the key problems that arise in developing intelligent systems.
Cognitive Science Researcher
Cognitive Science Researchers study the mind and how it works. They may also develop new theories or models of cognition. This course may be useful for this profession as it provides a foundation in the history and development of cognitive science and the key problems that arise in developing intelligent systems.
Artificial Intelligence Researcher
Artificial Intelligence Researchers develop new algorithms and techniques for AI. They may also work on natural language processing or computer vision projects. This course may be useful for this profession as it provides a foundation in the history and development of AI and the key problems that arise in developing intelligent systems.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and deploy machine learning models. They may also work on natural language processing or computer vision projects. This course may be useful for this profession as it provides a foundation in the history and development of AI and the key problems that arise in developing intelligent systems.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists design, develop, and test software and systems. They may also specialize in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, or data science. This course may be useful for this profession as it explores the history of AI and how the development of AI has shaped our understanding of human cognition.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test software and systems. They may also specialize in a particular area such as web development or mobile app development. This course may be useful for this profession as it provides a foundation in understanding how humans process information and the key problems that arise in developing intelligent systems.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to extract meaningful insights. They may also develop predictive models or algorithms to solve business problems. This course may be useful for this profession as it helps build a foundation in understanding how humans process information and the key problems that arise in developing intelligent systems.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They may also work on web applications or mobile app development. This course may be useful for this profession as it provides a foundation in understanding how humans process information and the key problems that arise in developing intelligent systems.
UX Designer
UX Designers design and evaluate user interfaces. They may also work on user experience research or prototyping. This course may be useful for this profession as it helps build a foundation in understanding how humans process information and how to design and develop products that are easy to use and effective.
Neuroscientist
Neuroscientists study the brain and nervous system. They may also develop treatments for neurological disorders. This course may be useful for this profession as it provides a foundation in understanding how humans process information and the key problems that arise in developing intelligent systems.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical methods to solve business problems. They may also develop computer simulations to analyze and optimize systems. This course may be useful for this profession as it helps build a foundation in understanding how humans process information and the key problems that arise in developing intelligent systems.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and marketing of products. They may also work on product strategy and roadmap. This course may be useful for this profession as it helps build a foundation in understanding how humans process information and how to design and develop products that are easy to use and effective.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. They may also work on system integration or data analysis projects. This course may be useful for this profession as it helps build a foundation in understanding how humans process information and the key problems that arise in developing intelligent systems.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create user manuals, help files, and other documentation. They may also work on marketing materials or website content. This course may be useful for this profession as it helps build a foundation in understanding how humans process information and how to write clearly and concisely.
Cognitive Psychologist
Cognitive Psychologists study how humans think. They may also develop tests to evaluate cognitive function. This course may be useful for this profession as it provides a detailed examination of the history of cognitive science and related ideas from both human and machine perspectives.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in What is “the mind” and what is artificial intelligence?.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive science, covering topics such as perception, attention, memory, language, and problem-solving. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the foundations of cognitive science.
Explores the nature of the mind and consciousness, and how they relate to artificial intelligence. It challenging but rewarding read for anyone who wants to think deeply about the nature of human intelligence.
Explores the relationship between mathematics, music, and art, and how they can be used to understand the nature of intelligence. It fascinating and thought-provoking read for anyone who is interested in the nature of creativity.
Explores the nature of intelligence and how it can be implemented in machines. It classic work in the field of artificial intelligence, and it is still relevant today.
Argues that the mind cannot be fully understood by science, and that it is instead a spiritual phenomenon. It controversial book, but it is worth reading for anyone who is interested in the nature of consciousness.
Argues that human nature is not a blank slate, but is instead shaped by our genes and our environment. It provocative book that challenges the prevailing view of human nature.
Explores the nature of language and how it relates to thought. It classic work in the field of cognitive science, and it is still relevant today.
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Explores the relationship between the mind and the machine, and whether or not machines can truly think. It classic work in the field of philosophy of mind, and it is still relevant today.
Argues that consciousness is an illusion, and that it is not necessary to explain human behavior. It controversial book, but it is worth reading for anyone who is interested in the nature of consciousness.
Explores the hard problem of consciousness, which is the problem of explaining how consciousness arises from physical matter. It challenging but rewarding read for anyone who is interested in the nature of consciousness.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of artificial intelligence. It valuable resource for students and researchers who want to learn more about the latest developments in AI.

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