Modularity

Question 1

What are the three defining features of modules?

Answer 1

Encapsulation
Specialization
localization

Question 2

Define encapsulation?

Answer 2

Information outside the module is not available inside the module. It’s not taking info from other parts of the mind. It just has it’s inputs and knows what to do with them. Only thing inside the module is the inputs.

Question 3

Define specialization?

Answer 3

Restricted to specific domain. EG faces.- A module just deals with faces (at least primarily) Applies a specific algorithm. It deals with a specific one. Modules have to be specified. The more specialized it is, the more module-like it becomes.

Question 4

Define localization?

Answer 4

In the brain, Implemented in a circumscribed region that is dedicated to that function. We can find where it is in the brain.

Question 5

What is a view against modularity?

Answer 5

The mind is not modular at all.
The mind is built from domain-general-systems that implement general algorithms using many parts of the brain.
The brain is like a swiss army knife. It can do lots of things and can be repurposed to do different tasks and can use other regions of the brain. It doesn’t make sense to look for other parts of the brain that have specialized function. The brain is always shifting and the info is being broadcast more globally.

Question 6

What is another view for modularity?

Answer 6

The hyper-modularity view. The mind is built from domain specific systems that implement task-specific algorithms in specific parts of the brain.
When you explore a new territory. We would find here is the grammar part, here is the part that finds meaning, here is the fear part. Here is the emotion part. We would find a map

Question 7

What is an example of high level perception localization?

Answer 7

Fusal Form face area. Where we recall faces.