Mind Theory

The fruit of the long history of John Brockman's profound engagement with the most important scientific minds who have been thinking about AI - from Alison Gopnik and David Deutsch to Frank Wilczek and Stephen Wolfram - Possible Minds is an ideal introduction to the landscape of crucial issues AI presents. The collision between opposing perspectives is salutary and exhilarating; some of these figures are deeply concerned with the threat of AI, including the existential one, while others have a very different view.

Unlock the mysteries of the cosmos with "Conscious Universe: Panentheism and Panpsychism Simplified," a captivating 2-in-1 guide that will transform your understanding of reality. This essential volume combines "Panentheism: A Beginner's Guide" and "Panpsychism: A Beginner's Guide" to offer a comprehensive and accessible introduction to these profound philosophies. Discover the Divine Presence in All Things Have you ever felt the universe whispering its secrets to you? "Conscious Universe" reveals how panentheism shows the divine as both immanent within and transcendent beyond the universe....

In this accessible, up-to-date, and authoritative examination of the world’s most radical technology, neuroscientist and AI researcher Christopher Summerfield explores what it really takes to build a brain from scratch. We have entered a world in which disarmingly human-like chatbots, such as ChatGPT, Claude and Bard, appear to be able to talk and reason like us—and are beginning to transform everything we do. But can AI ‘think’, 'know' and ‘understand’? What are its values? Whose biases is it perpetuating? Can it lie and if so, could we tell? Does their arrival threaten our very existence?

A new field of collective intelligence has emerged in the last few years, prompted by a wave of digital technologies that make it possible for organizations and societies to think at large scale. This "bigger mind" - human and machine capabilities working together - has the potential to solve the great challenges of our time. So why do smart technologies not automatically lead to smart results?

When Samantha Moon is hired by a film crew to help hunt for the most elusive creature of them all, she’s pretty sure they have the wrong person. Turns out this is a super well-funded expedition, and the eccentric backer is sparing no expense, including hiring, among dozens of other specialists, a private investigator—someone trained to find the missing. And there is nothing more missing than Bigfoot. The logic almost makes sense to Sam, and the money is right. In the least, the vampire private eye is intrigued. After all, even among her fellow supernaturals, the creature known as ...

Like many, you may be seeking concrete solutions to transform anxiety, trauma, and emotional turmoil into a harmonious and fulfilling life. The traditional methods you've tried might not have been enough to address your deep-rooted challenges. But imagine a world where you embrace a calmer mind and a rejuvenated spirit, all achieved through groundbreaking, science-backed approaches. That's now possible.

Why We Read Fiction offers a lucid overview of the most exciting area of research in contemporary cognitive psychology known as “Theory of Mind” and discusses its implications for literary studies. It covers a broad range of fictional narratives, from Richardson's Clarissa, Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment, and Austen's Pride and Prejudice to Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway, Nabokov's Lolita, and Hammett's The Maltese Falcon.

Mind Openers 1.0 is the first of a two-part set. It chronicles how the astounding discoveries of modern physics have fundamentally changed our understanding of reality. Using a mix of historical narrative, intuitive analogies, and graphics, the book explores, explains, and ponders at meaning of our deepest theories. The author is a geophysicist and educator who specializes in translating scientific material for the non-expert.

A Life-Changing Collection for Deep Healing, Self-Regulation, and Lasting Transformation Struggling with anxiety, stress, or emotional overwhelm? Imagine waking up tomorrow feeling calm, grounded, and in control, without years of therapy, endless coping strategies, or feeling stuck in survival mode. This comprehensive collection brings together two highly acclaimed books—The Somatic Therapy Handbook and The Polyvagal Theory Handbook—to provide you with a science-backed, practical path to healing from within.

Unlock a Relaxed Body and Mind in Just 28 Days - Say Goodbye to Stress and Trauma Without Overwhelm! Does the weight of stored trauma keep you from feeling comfortable in your own skin? Are you constantly battling anxieties, unsure of how to release years of pent-up stress? Imagine a life where you can find relief and comfort, where the burden of trauma is lifted, and you can truly thrive. Have you tried various self-help methods and therapy sessions, only to feel overwhelmed and disconnected from your own body? Have you avoided traditional talk therapy because you don’t want to dwell on ...

AlphaGo and the Philosophy of Mind is a thought-provoking exploration of the principles of machine learning and its application in the strategy game of Go. This book takes readers through the history of Go and its importance in the world of AI, looking at the philosophical implications of advancing technology and the implications of AlphaGo’s victory over the world’s Go champion. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the philosophical implications of AI and machine learning.

When we avoid taking a decision, what happens to it? In The Unaccountability Machine, Dan Davies examines why markets, institutions and even governments systematically generate outcomes that everyone involved claims not to want. He casts new light on the writing of Stafford Beer, a legendary economist who argued in the 1950s that we should regard organisations as artificial intelligences, capable of taking decisions that are distinct from the intentions of their members.

The Forgotten Architect of the Information Age: The Life and Mind of Claude Shannon Long before smartphones, streaming, and artificial intelligence became everyday realities, a quiet genius laid the groundwork for the modern world—and few today know his name. Claude Shannon, the brilliant mind behind information theory, changed how humanity thinks, communicates, and invents. Without his ideas, the digital age would be unimaginable. Yet Shannon never sought fame. He lived a life defined not by ambition, but by curiosity, playfulness, and a relentless drive to understand the unseen patterns...

In an age where misinformation spreads faster than ever, understanding the psychology behind belief systems has never been more crucial. "The Psychology of Belief: Decoding the Mind Behind Conspiracy Theories" takes readers on a captivating journey into the labyrinth of human thought, exploring why people are drawn to conspiracy theories and how these beliefs shape our perceptions of reality. Delving into the intricate interplay between cognition, emotion, and social dynamics, this book unpacks the psychological mechanisms that fuel conspiracy thinking. Through engaging narratives, real-...

Not everyone can become a tyrant. It requires a particular confluence of events to gain absolute control over entire nations. First, you must be born with the potential to develop brutal personality traits. Second, your predisposition to antisocial behavior must be developed and strengthened during childhood. Finally, you must come of age when the political system of your country is unstable.

A philosophical map for the labyrinth of modern life, Become Who You Are reveals a radically new theory of mental health and “the opposite of depression.” Drawing from the insights of Friedrich Nietzsche, Marcus Aurelius, and Abraham Maslow, along with hundreds of scientific findings, each moment will challenge your intuitions and catalyze personal evolution. If you're ready to embark on a transformative journey of personal growth and self-actualization, this book will be your guide.

Are you fascinated by the cosmos and eager to explore the quantum realm without complex equations? Curious about wave-particle duality or how quantum theories impact everyday life, from computing to futuristic tech? Quantum Physics Simplified breaks down mind-bending concepts into engaging, easy-to-follow explanations, making the quantum world accessible to anyone with a curious mind.

Applied polyvagal theory in yoga provides conscious breathing, vagal toning, mindful movement, and meditation practices that aid in rewiring the nervous system. Listeners will discover how to help both clients and themselves cultivate a felt sense of ease during times of safety; enhance their capacity to handle challenges with equanimity; and reclaim their ability to recover from stress swiftly and efficiently. Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga offers practitioners a new and effective way to support clients who are stuck in a trauma response mode.

As advances in AI spark fear and confusion, The Mind’s Mirror reminds us that in spite of the very real and pressing challenges, AI is a force with enormous potential to improve human life. Computer scientist and AI researcher Daniela Rus, along with science writer Gregory Mone, offers an expert perspective as a leader in the field who has witnessed many technological hype cycles. Rus and Mone illustrate the ways in which AI can help us become more productive, knowledgeable, creative, insightful, and even empathetic, as well as the many risks associated with misuse.

Neuroscientists have painstakingly built up an understanding of the structure of the brain. Could this help physicists understand the levels of self-organization they observe in other systems? These same physicists, meanwhile, are trying to explain how particles organize themselves into the objects around us. Could their discoveries help explain how neurons produce our conscious experience? Exploring these questions and more, George Musser tackles the extraordinary interconnections between quantum mechanics, cosmology, human consciousness, and artificial intelligence.