Our Abstract Thinking Ability & the Science Behind It

A young thoughtful man in profile with a cityscape in the background illustrates our abstract thinking ability

How does your brain process abstract concepts? How does our ability to think abstractly shape our understanding of the world? In his book A Thousand Brains, neuroscientist Jeff Hawkins seeks to explain our incredible abstract thinking ability. He proposes that our brain uses similar mechanisms for both concrete and abstract thought. Continue reading to explore the complex mysteries of abstract thinking.

Jeff Hawkins: AI Structures Should Mimic the Neocortex

A human-like robot structure with an exposed brain and nerves illustrates Jeff Hawkins’s AI ideas

What’s the future of artificial intelligence? How can our understanding of the human brain revolutionize AI? According to Jeff Hawkins, AI development based on his Thousand Brains Theory could lead to exciting advancements. He proposes that AI systems should mimic the structure and function of the brain’s neocortex. Read on to explore how Hawkins’s ideas might influence the future of AI.

4 Theories of Free Will Based on Science (+ Counterarguments)

A thinking young man with a thought bubble that says "Free Will?" inside of it illustrates theories of free will

Are your choices truly your own? Does science prove that free will is just an illusion? In his book Determined, Robert Sapolsky explores various theories of free will and presents compelling counterarguments. He addresses four scientific perspectives on free will, including compatibilism, chaoticism, emergent complexity, and quantum indeterminacy. Prepare to challenge your beliefs about decision-making and human behavior as we examine these thought-provoking theories.

The Thousand Brains Theory: Jeff Hawkins Explains

Many tiny brains and one large brain illustrates the Thousand Brains theory

Are your thoughts the result of thousands of tiny brains voting? What if your sense of self is actually an illusion created by these mini-minds? In A Thousand Brains, Jeff Hawkins presents a groundbreaking theory about how our brains function. He proposes that the neocortex consists of thousands of cortical columns, each acting as a mini-brain. These columns work together to create our complex cognition and awareness. Read on to learn about the Thousand Brains theory and see how it could revolutionize our understanding of human intelligence.

Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust

A woman reading a book while sitting at a desk with a computer on it

Is AI a cornucopia that could free the human race from drudgery? Or will AI bring about the end of the world as we know it? Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize every aspect of the way we live. AI’s future applications could be enormous—but only if we can develop machine intelligence that can accurately and reliably carry out its tasks. Read on for an overview of Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust by Gary Marcus and Ernest Davis.

AI Hype: How to Sort Through the Fantasies & Exaggerations

a ChatGPT conversation in which ChatGPT admits it's not as powerful as one might think illustrates AI hype

Is AI really as advanced as we think it is? Are we overestimating its capabilities? In their book Rebooting AI, Gary Marcus and Ernest Davis explore the gap between AI hype and reality. They discuss how narrow AI differs from the strong AI we often imagine. The authors also explain why we tend to overestimate AI’s abilities. Keep reading to discover the truth behind AI’s current capabilities and the potential risks of relying too heavily on narrow AI systems.

What Is Narrow AI, and How Does It Work? (Rebooting AI)

a cartoon drawing of a woman in an office using a chatbot on a desktop computer illustrates the question What is narrow AI?

What is narrow AI? How does it operate? How does it differ from true intelligence? In their book Rebooting AI, Gary Marcus and Ernest Davis explore the state of artificial intelligence. They explain how narrow AI works, its benefits, and its shortcomings. The authors explain the mechanics of neural networks and machine learning, highlighting their widespread applications and limitations. Keep reading to uncover the fascinating details behind today’s technology and its potential future.

Why Does AI Hallucinate? How Machines Are Easily Fooled

a giraffe wearing a top hat and a bow tie raises the question Why does AI hallucinate?

What’s an AI hallucination? Why does AI hallucinate? What are the consequences of these errors? In their book Rebooting AI, Gary Marcus and Ernest Davis explore the phenomenon of AI hallucinations. They explain why these errors occur and discuss the potential risks in critical situations such as airport control towers or self-driving cars. Keep reading to learn about the challenges of debugging artificial neural networks.

Artificial Intelligence and Language: Can AI Truly Understand Us?

a frustrated man working at a computer illustrates the challenges of artificial intelligence and language

How capable is artificial intelligence in understanding human language? Why do AI assistants sometimes struggle with seemingly simple requests? In their book Rebooting AI, Gary Marcus and Ernest Davis explore artificial intelligence and language. They argue that current AI systems, despite their impressive capabilities, lack a true understanding of human communication. Read on to discover why your favorite AI assistant might not be as smart as you think and what it means for the future of human-machine interaction.

AI Awareness: Does Artificial Intelligence Know Where It Is?

a robot about to walk off a cliff illustrates the limitations of AI awareness of their physical environment

What are the challenges of AI awareness in robotics? How do we ensure AI can safely navigate the real world? In Rebooting AI, Gary Marcus and Ernest Davis explore the limitations of AI systems in understanding and interacting with physical environments. They discuss why traditional programming and machine learning fall short of equipping robots with the skills needed to function in complex, real-world scenarios. Read more to understand why strong AI is crucial for safe and effective real-world interactions.