The biological evolution of information processing in the evolution of language & learning, and my search for the missing link between body and mind
I speculate that there is a missing link, something that connects physical activity to mental activity. Furthermore, I speculate that this missing link is related to the biological evolution of language and learning. I investigate questions that are usually addressed in the field of neuroscience with empirical investigations. I propose a paradigm that investigates these questions from the perspective of information processing, and thus also fits into the field of artificial intelligence. I propose a design that uses an �inner language� to control action sequences and to integrate visual perception into action. I investigate how this �inner language� facilitates and enhances learning. The investigation demonstrates and validates the feasibility and benefits of the �inner language� design with working prototypes.
Each section is divided into chapters which in turn are divided into topics.
Let me introduce myself. I am a generalist rather than a specialist. I have degrees in Social Psychology, Computer Science, and Mathematical Physics. I submitted an M.A. thesis in Sociology and Anthropology, and done work in Measurement Theory. I had an office in Linguistics, where my most active thesis supervisor hung out. I worked in aerospace, automotive, chemical, and mining. I developed technology for banks, Bingo halls, and Beauty Pageants. I have done things in legal, medical, and food. I think I have been involved in most sectors of society, mostly at the research end and with the introduction of new, computer-based, technology. All of this is a long-winded apology for drawing analogies from all over. Please bear with me as I zig-zag through a variety of topics. I hope I can pull it all together and make sense for you at the end.
I have been around computers for a long time. I got to help Arthur Burks fire up a chunk of the Eniac at Michigan. I programmed on IBM 704, 1450, and one of the first 360/67. I have programmed with teletypes and punched paper tape, punched cards and magnetic tape. I was part of the ARPA project and I played games on the PDP 1. I have programmed in many languages, from assembler through Fortran, Algol, and C, to LISP and Prolog. I worked with computer software applications in education, helped to introduce word processing, and helped to introduce new computer-based restructuring of the work place. I have also been involved with expert systems, process control, simulations, database systems such as inventory control, etc. Again, this is an apology for presenting a stew, based on mixing leftovers from different fields of computer science and engineering, rather than presenting a simple and elegant meal such as a neat mathematical theory.
A while ago, when I was teaching a 4th year / graduate course on measurement theory, a student raised his hand and said �There is one thing that is still clear.� The whole class broke up with laughter, but it has stuck with me ever since. I have tried my hand at an informal style, with editorial help from my daughter. I hope it is clear, but I would appreciate any comments on what needs further clarification.