Brain science
Most famous for his work with Palm where he took part in creating the first handheld computers, Jeff Hawkins has recently got himself into neuroscience.
In a TEDTalks video urges us to take a new look at the brain — to see it not as a fast processor, but as a memory system that stores and plays back experiences to help us predict, intelligently, what will happen next.
- Why we don’t have a good brain theory.
- What it’s important.
- What we can do about it.
Hawkins argues that what’s lacking is a theoretical framework. We have lots of data, but little in the way of theory. This is where Hawkins seeks to contribute, most famously with his hierarchical temporal model of memory. Memoirs of a Postgrad has a far better summary of the theory here. The theory is that the brain is basically a big memory system that uses past experiences to make predictions about the future – this is Hawkins’ definition of intelligence. So in this view, we literally learn from experience.
Coaxing computers to perform basic acts of perception and robotics, let alone high-level thought, has been difficult. No existing computer can recognize pictures, understand language, or navigate through a cluttered room with anywhere near the facility of a child. Hawkins and his colleagues have developed a model of how the neocortex performs these and other tasks.
The theory, call Hierarchical Temporal Memory, explains how the hierarchical structure of the neocortex builds a model of its world and uses this model for inference and prediction. To turn this theory into a useful technology, Hawkins has created a company called Numenta. Hawkins describes the theory, its biological basis, and a software platform created by Numenta that allows anyone to apply this theory to a variety of problems. Part of this theory was described in a book he co-authored in 2004 called “On Intelligence”.
22 minutes
6 Comments → “Brain science”
I’m always excited by brain research and learning how the brain works, but I’m much more interested in learning about the mind and our consciousness. I suspect that research will one day uncover the link between the two and we’ll be able to understand exactly how to use them both to our best advantage.
@Bob
I suffered a head injury a year ago and still have 6 months to go until I’m fully recovered. I’m interested in how the brain works, and also interested in both aspects you refer to as well. Thanks for commenting.
This is so interesting and it’s a great thing that there is someone who wants research this stuff.
@Dorothy
I find this research to be fascinating and hope my readers would likewise be interested in it. Thanks fro reading and commenting too.
My husband’s a specialist in neural biology. Pardon the pun, but there’s nothing I like more than to pick his brain. Such an interesting subject!
This is great indeed. Brain Research is one of my favs since it’s the core of all our intellects. Hereby I also suggest looking for a book entitled “Original Intelligence: The Architecture of the Human Mind” by David and Ann Premack.