by Jeff Hawkins
First published 2023
Jeff Hawkins takes readers from brain evolution to species extinction in this exploration of neural architecture. He presents a fresh theory centered on the neocortex's decentralized structure and its fundamental units called cortical columns. Hawkins argues these columns attach reference frames to both physical objects and abstract concepts, allowing humans to navigate the world effectively. Through collective column activity, the neocortex builds and constantly updates a world model. Hawkins rejects the idea of central control in our brains. Rather than viewing the brain as a complex computer, he describes it as a memory system that stores and replays experiences to predict future events. Against common beliefs about brain complexity, Hawkins contends that intelligence capabilities like visual perception, language, music, mathematics, science, and engineering rely on a single, relatively simple algorithm. He suggests artificial intelligence models will soon replicate this process.
Genres: neuroscience, brain, artificial-intelligence, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: academic
320 pages · Paperback · Tusquets Editores S.A.