Science Archives

Is Personality Inherited? Steven Pinker on Nature vs. Nurture

A mother and toddler depict the question of whether personality is inherited and Steven Pinker's nature vs. nurture argument

Is personality inherited? How much of who you are comes from your genes versus your upbringing? Steven Pinker’s nature vs. nurture argument shows up in his book The Blank Slate. He explores the scientific evidence behind personality inheritance. Pinker argues that our core traits are largely genetic, with upbringing playing a minimal role. Continue reading to understand Pinker’s argument, and see whether you believe the debate is settled.

The Scientific View of Human Nature: Steven Pinker Explains

A collage of three people--a young man, a young woman, and an old woman--illustrate the scientific view of human nature

What’s wrong with the mainstream view of human nature? How does it hold up in light of current scientific understanding? In The Blank Slate, Steven Pinker lays out his scientific arguments against the mainstream view of human nature. Then, he articulates a scientific view of human nature and what this alternative perspective means for gender differences, politics, and our understanding of personality. Read more to understand where Pinker is coming from.

Salesforce’s Advancement in Business (From Trailblazer)

A man working on a computer screen that reads "AI" as part of an initiative to push advancement in business

What are the different types of advancements in business? How does Salesforce use new technology to improve decision-making? To continue meeting customers’ ever-evolving needs, Marc Benioff says Salesforce is dedicated to making technological and social advancements. These advancements include incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace and providing educational opportunities. Continue reading to learn about Salesforce’s social and technological advancements.

A Thousand Brains: A New Theory of Intelligence (Overview)

A bearded grey-haired middle-aged man thoughtfully reading a book in a room with large windows

Do you know how your brain really works? What if understanding our own intelligence could revolutionize artificial intelligence? In A Thousand Brains: A New Theory of Intelligence, neuroscientist Jeff Hawkins presents a groundbreaking theory of human cognition. He explores how the brain’s neocortex creates mental models and makes predictions. This new framework offers insights into both human intelligence and potential advancements in AI. Read on to discover how your brain’s “mini-brains” work together to create your understanding of the world.

Does Quantum Indeterminacy Make Free Will Possible?

A person holding a pair of dice in their hand illustrates quantum indeterminacy and free will

Is free will real or just an illusion? Could quantum mechanics hold the key to understanding our ability to make choices? In his book Determined, Robert Sapolsky picks apart arguments in favor of free will. He even dives into the fascinating world of subatomic particles and their potential impact on human decision-making, as some people believe there’s a connection between quantum indeterminacy and free will. Read more to understand the issue and Sapolsky’s arguments.

The Old Brain: A Neuroscientist Explains Why We Need It

a diagram of the old brain and the neocortex

Do you know how your brain processes information? What role do the primitive parts of your brain play in your everyday life? In A Thousand Brains, neuroscientist Jeff Hawkins explores the relationship between the Old Brain and the neocortex. He explains how these two parts work together to shape our understanding of the world and enable intelligent behavior. Continue reading to discover how your ancient brain structures influence your modern thoughts and actions.

Determined: Robert Sapolsky Argues for Life Without Free Will

A young bearded man in a cozy living room sitting on a couch and thoughtfully reading a book

Do we have free will, or is everything predetermined? What difference does it make? In Determined, Robert Sapolsky says that decades of research have led him to two conclusions. First, people do not have free will. Second, accepting this fact will empower us to create a better world for everyone. Read on for an overview of this book that deals with a matter that scientists, philosophers, and theologians have been debating for millennia.

How Cortical Columns Act as Mini-Brains (and Could Inform AI)

A diagram of two neurons with cell nucleus, synapse, and dendrites illustrate what happens inside cortical columns

Do you understand how your brain processes information? What if your brain was actually made up of thousands of mini-brains working together? In A Thousand Brains, neuroscientist Jeff Hawkins introduces the concept of cortical columns. These are small units in the brain that act like mini-brains, each processing information and making predictions. Hawkins explains how these columns work together to create our complex cognitive abilities. Read more to learn how your brain might be more intricate than you ever imagined.

Our Abstract Thinking Ability & the Science Behind It

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.