Brains: Difference between revisions
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The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain brain] is the source of [[consciousness]]. The notion of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind%E2%80%93body_dualism mind-body dualism] is rejected by [[materialism]]. It follows that [[free will]] does not exist and all of our actions are [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism deterministic]. But [[ethically]] and [[legally]] we must still pretend it does. | The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain brain] is the source of [[consciousness]]. The notion of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind%E2%80%93body_dualism mind-body dualism] is rejected by [[materialism]]. It follows that [[free will]] does not exist and all of our actions are [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism deterministic]. But [[ethically]] and [[legally]] we must still pretend it does. | ||
== Other Brain Related Pages == | |||
The [[Psychology]] page has the full index of pages related to [[consciousness]]. These are the ones that focus more on the hardware side. | |||
* [[Neurophysiology]] | |||
* [[Neural network]] | |||
* [[Free will]] | |||
* [[Addiction]] | |||
* [[Placebo effect|Placebo Effect]] | |||
* [[Psychedelics]] | |||
== Know Thyself == | == Know Thyself == | ||
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[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_language_model Large Language Models] in [[AI]], a topic currently in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeitgeist zeitgeist], are likewise based on [[neural networks]]. Observing the behavior of LLMs, from repeating [[misinformation]] to casual [[racism]], helps us understand our own. | [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_language_model Large Language Models] in [[AI]], a topic currently in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeitgeist zeitgeist], are likewise based on [[neural networks]]. Observing the behavior of LLMs, from repeating [[misinformation]] to casual [[racism]], helps us understand our own. | ||
== Brains on Brains == | == Brains on Brains == | ||
Revision as of 08:53, 30 December 2024
The brain is that thing in your head that makes you do stuff.
"Brain: an apparatus with which we think we think." -Ambrose Bierce
The Mind/Body Relationship Summarized
The brain is the source of consciousness. The notion of mind-body dualism is rejected by materialism. It follows that free will does not exist and all of our actions are deterministic. But ethically and legally we must still pretend it does.
Other Brain Related Pages
The Psychology page has the full index of pages related to consciousness. These are the ones that focus more on the hardware side.
Know Thyself
Understanding the basic functions of the brain should be a necessary prerequisite for life in modern society. Since we are nothing more than self-aware brains, we should be aware of how the brain creates the self. This section will attempt to provide a general summary of the most important aspects of neurophysiology and psychology needed to understand the mind/body relationship and how feedback from our environment shapes our thoughts and behavior.
Neural Networks
The brain is a very complex neural network. Understanding how a simple neural network functions is the most important prerequisite to understanding the brain. The functions are identical, just on a much larger scale.
Artificial Intelligence
Large Language Models in AI, a topic currently in the zeitgeist, are likewise based on neural networks. Observing the behavior of LLMs, from repeating misinformation to casual racism, helps us understand our own.
Brains on Brains
People using their brains to discuss how brains work. Basic brain anatomy and their functions are part of standard biology coursework and are familiar to most people. However, the study of neural networks is not typically part of a basic science education, even though it is fundamental to understanding both ourselves and the AI that we'll all soon be working for.
The Hidden Brain podcast is full of great brain-related content.