DVD Presentation

Abstract: Confabulation theory, a recently introduced neuroscience hypothesis (see: http:www.scholarpedia.org/article/Confabulation_Theory for a summary), offers the first detailed, comprehensive explanation of the information processing mechanism underlying all aspects of cognition (vision, hearing, planning, reasoning, language, movement and thought process selection and inauguration, etc.). While mathematically simple, the mechanism of thought turns out to be starkly alien and overwhelmingly powerful in comparison with other approaches to information processing and AI; particularly in its abilities to instantly and effectively apply vast quantities of relevant knowledge (of a simple, easy to acquire, type) in parallel and bring diverse context constraints to bear. Confabulation theory is simultaneously neuroscience’s fondest dream and its worst nightmare. Progression through Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ five stages -- denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance – will likely take years. Meanwhile, AI technologists are already racing to apply the confabulation theory discoveries. This talk will briefly summarize confabulation theory, show some illustrative examples of its capabilities, and describe some existing confabulation AI projects.

Biography: Professor Robert Hecht-Nielsen is a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Diego. His new text Confabulation Theory: The Mechanism of Thought (Springer-Verlag 2007) details confabulation theory, describes its scientific origins, illustrates the promise of confabulation technology, and includes two courseware DVDs. Australia is one of his favorite countries (he has visited Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and numerous less populous places). He is a recipient of the IEEE Neural Networks Pioneer Medal and serves on the Board of Governors of the International Neural Network Society.