W6: Elements of Embodied Cog. Science

Question 1

Ant Complex Behaviour

Answer 1

In this case, this complex group-level behaviour is manifested from simple rules; the ants are able to build the wall without being aware of the wall (i.e., no map, but they perceive the smell gradient as proximity to the eggs) and each ant follows simple rules:
- pick up a particle if you encounter one
- if you cross the nest entrance while carrying a particle, and the odour gradient is becoming stronger, drop your particle
- if you run into a particle while carrying a particle, drop your particle

Question 2

Embodied Approach

Answer 2

• Thinking can be a function of the environment; we can offload some of our cognition onto the environment (e.g., using a calendar/planner, which is changing your environment so that you do things)

Question 3

Shakey

Answer 3

An autonomous robot of the result of classical cog. science; i.e., uses a symbolic approach.
- Problem: high amount of computation is needed before starting and completing the task. The computer that was doing the processing was also separate from the robot itself, and it needed to figure everything out all at once.

Question 4

Methodological Solipsism

Answer 4

Methodological solipsism is a term that is used to describe the idea that the mind can only be studied by looking at its INTERNAL STATES and processes and that the external world and the body do not play a role in shaping or constraining mental processes.

Psychological states should be construed without reference to anything beyond the boundary of the individual.
- use of symbolic models.
- reflected in the sense-think-act cycle that characterizes both classical and connectionist cognitive science.

Question 5

Machina speculatrix (“tortoise”)