The course is to serve as an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of HUMAN
cognitive functioning. One of the drawbacks of "classical"
cognitive science, i.e. the information-processing paradigm,
is that it has been unable to say virtually anything about the central
phenomenon of human cognition: consciousness and self-consciousness.
Some recent theories in neurobiology, with concepts such as
self-organization and epigenesis, seem to offer a better key to
the understanding the "mystery of consciousness". Perhaps the most
comprehensive
of these theories is that of Gerald Edelman, summarized in his book
"Bright Air, Brilliant Fire. On the Matter of the Mind". It includes
not only a theory of cognition and its biological basis from its
simplest forms (perceptual categorization) to the most complex
(language, self-consciousness, emotion, mental illness) but a provoking discussion
of how human cognition should and should not be studied which
involves psychology, philosophy, linguistics and computational modelling -
in connection with the biological and evolutionistic approach
endorsed by Edelman.
That is why we consider that a careful review of Edelman's book -
in combination with complementary material related will provide the participants in the course with a
an up-to-date picture of the status of cognitive science and perhaps
of its future. To emphasize the interdisciplinary charater of the
problems which are adressed, the seminars constituting the
course will be held by researchers from different
cognitive sciences.
Literature: Edelman, "Bright Air, Brilliant Fire: On the matter of the Mind", BasicBooks, 1992.
The course will start when the course on Memory and Learning finishes (end of February). Proposed scedule:
In Electrum, Kista, we shall be in SICS seminar room at level 3. The room is located inbetween the pizza-place and the conference reception. Electrum is located on Isafjordsgatan 22 but can also be reached from Kistagången. For instructions on how to get to SICS click here.
The seminars will be divided into a 45 min. presentation followed by discussion. The participants should read the relevant chapters and any extra articles in advance in order to promote good discussions.
If needed the seminars will be held in English, otherwise Swedish.
If you are interested in participating as a student or as a seminarleader, please contact Kristina Höök (kia@sics.se) or Jordan Zlatev (jordan@ling.su.se).