Mind Shift

Artificial Intelligence

Will Computers Soon Out-Think Humans?

John Parrington Ph.D. on June 19, 2021

Some predict that ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) will soon surpass human mental capabilities. Such predictions ignore fundamental differences between AI and human consciousness.

Some predict that ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) will soon surpass human mental capabilities. Such predictions ignore fundamental differences between AI and human consciousness.

Environment

Are Pedophiles Born or Made?

John Parrington Ph.D. on June 18, 2021

Few things are as likely to generate revulsion in society as pedophilia. But in order to protect children, we need a better scientific understanding of what causes this disorder.

Few things are as likely to generate revulsion in society as pedophilia. But in order to protect children, we need a better scientific understanding of what causes this disorder.

Alcoholism

Did Drug Use Help the Development of Human Consciousness?

John Parrington Ph.D. on June 12, 2021

Did psychedelic drugs and alcohol boost consciousness in our ancestors? What can new imaging methods tell us about the effects of drugs on consciousness?

Did psychedelic drugs and alcohol boost consciousness in our ancestors? What can new imaging methods tell us about the effects of drugs on consciousness?

Brain waves coordinate the different regions of our brains. They regulate attention and memory and potentially have quite unique roles in humans compared to other species.

New findings about the role of the cerebellum in creativity suggest that teaching approaches based on making the student consciously ‘work’ at learning may be counter-productive.

Can anxiety and post-traumatic stress be inherited from parents? Animal experiments suggest so, but the evidence from human studies is controversial.

Glial cells are the main type of brain cell besides neurons. Formerly thought to only play a supporting role, they are increasingly recognized as highly dynamic and interactive.

Optimism

Is Optimism Something We're Born With?

John Parrington Ph.D. on June 6, 2021

Some people have genetic differences that make them naturally optimistic and resistant to depression. But changes in behavior, like daily exercise, can also help foster optimism.

Some people have genetic differences that make them naturally optimistic and resistant to depression. But changes in behavior, like daily exercise, can also help foster optimism.

Trying to explain the inner workings of human consciousness is one of the most difficult unsolved issues in science. An important first step is recognizing the role of language.

Our consciousness differs qualitatively from that of other species because our interactions with the world and each other through tools and language are also qualitatively unique.

Cognition

In What Ways Might Human and Animal Consciousness Differ?

John Parrington Ph.D. on May 30, 2021

Only humans seem to have self-conscious awareness based on our powers of language and technology use.

Only humans seem to have self-conscious awareness based on our powers of language and technology use.

Career

How Philosophers and Neuroscientists Define 'What is Consciousness?'

John Parrington Ph.D. on May 29, 2021

The question of how our minds work has fascinated philosophers for millennia. But what is the material basis of consciousness and will science ever explain its subjective aspects?

The question of how our minds work has fascinated philosophers for millennia. But what is the material basis of consciousness and will science ever explain its subjective aspects?