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A Thousand Brains

A New Theory of Intelligence

🤖 AI Summary

Summary of A Thousand Brains
Written by Jeff Hawkins, this book presents a groundbreaking theory of intelligence based on the structure and function of the human neocortex. Hawkins explores how our brains create models of the world and the implications for AI, neuroscience, and society.

Book Recommendations

  1. Best Alternate on the Same Topic: On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee – Hawkins’ earlier work introducing his ideas about the brain’s prediction-based mechanisms.
  2. Best Tangentially Related Book: Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom – Examines the future of artificial intelligence and its potential impacts on humanity.
  3. Best Diametrically Opposed Book: The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature by Steven Pinker – Critiques purely structural views of the brain, emphasizing innate behaviors and evolutionary psychology.
  4. Best Fiction Book Incorporating Related Ideas: Blindsight by Peter Watts – A sci-fi novel that explores consciousness, intelligence, and the limits of human cognition in the context of first contact with alien life.

References

  1. The mindful brain

Content

Opening Credits

Forward by Richard Dawkins

Part 1: A New Understanding of the Brain

1. Old Brain - New Brain

3. A Model of the World in Your Head

The brain learns by observing changes in its inputs over time.

4. The Brain Reveals Its Secrets

  • Reference Frames

5. Maps in the Brain

  • orientation cells
  • map cells
  • place cells

6. Concepts, Language, and High-Level Thinking

7. The Thousand Brains Theory of Intelligence

Part 2: Machine Intelligence

8. Why There Is No “I” in AI

9. When Machines Are Conscious

10. The Future of Machine Intelligence

11. The Existential Risks of Machine Intelligence

Part 3: Human Intelligence

12. False Beliefs

13. The Existential Risks of Human Intelligence

14. Merging Brains and Machines

15. Estate Planning for Humanity

16. Genes Versus Knowledge

Final Thoughts

End Credits