In discussing artificial intelligence and neuroscience, I will focus on two
themes. The first is the universality of cycles (or loops): sets of variab
les that affect each other ill such a way that any feed-forward account of
causality and control, while informative, is misleading.
The second theme is based around the observation that a computer is an intr
insically dualistic entity with its physical set-up designed so as not to i
nterfere with its logical set-up, which executes the computation. The brain
is different. When analysed empirically at several different levels (cellu
lar, molecular), it appears that there is no satisfactory way to separate a
physical brain model (or algorithm, or representation)? from a physical im
plementational substrate. When program and implementation are inseparable a
nd thus interfere with each other, a dualistic point-of-view is impossible.
Forced by empiricism into a monistic perspective, the brain-mind appears a
s neither embodied by or embedded in physical reality but rather as identic
al to physical reality.
This perspective has implications for the future of science and society I w
ill approach these from a negative point-of-view, by critiquing some of our
millennial culture's popular projected futures.