Discussion: Mind, Cognition, and Agency in Complex Systems
Details
Update:
The first part of this event will feature a recap of Michael's presentation from last week, and then he will present the final sections we did not get to. After that, we will open up for discussion.
About This Event
How does "intent" emerge from a sea of simple interactions? Whether we are looking at a neural network, a biological ecosystem, or a decentralized AI, the transition from raw data to "agency" remains one of the most profound mysteries in modern science.
Join us for an open, interdisciplinary discussion where we peel back the layers of complex systems to understand the nature of mind and cognition. We will move past the jargon to explore how structure creates behavior and where "the ghost in the machine" actually lives.
Discussion Points:
- The Emergence of Agency: At what point does a system stop being a collection of parts and start acting on its own?
- Cognition Beyond Biology: Can we define mind in a way that includes both the biological and the synthetic?
- Predictability vs. Will: In a world of algorithms and physical laws, what does "choice" look like in a complex system?
- The CASHE Perspective: How do these technical realities shift our understanding of the human experience and culture?