Natural General Intelligence: How understanding the brain can help us build AI

The study of natural intelligence provides insights into the algorithms and architectures needed for building artificial general intelligence (AGI). By comparing current AI systems to biological brains, researchers can better understand the components of natural intelligence and how they can be implemented in neural circuits. Natural General Intelligence aims to bridge the gap between the theories of those who study biological brains and the practice of those who are seeking to build artificial brains.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Computer scientists have long envisioned the creation of artificial general intelligence (AGI), a system capable of replicating human-like cognitive abilities such as thinking, learning, and acting. The remarkable advancements in machine learning research have reignited discussions about AGI, raising intriguing questions about the potential capabilities and requirements of such a system. To delve into these inquiries, we must explore the study of natural intelligence. Humans, along with many other animals, possess a remarkable level of generalization of function, which is considered a defining characteristic of intelligence. The fields of cognitive science and neuroscience have provided us with a framework for understanding the components of natural intelligence in terms of computational mechanisms and cognitive functions. This understanding has been further enriched by the study of neural circuits, which reveal the intricate ways in which these components are implemented.

Natural General Intelligence (NGI) is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the algorithms and architectures driving progress in AI research. By comparing current AI systems to the biological brains of animals, NGI provides a comprehensive exploration of the ingredients of natural intelligence. It addresses deep conceptual issues related to perceptual, memory, and control systems, offering insights into the language we use to think and the structure of our knowledge. Furthermore, NGI grapples with longstanding controversies about the nature of intelligence, exploring whether AI researchers should draw inspiration from biology.

At its core, NGI aims to bridge the gap between the theories of those who study biological brains and the practice of those who are working to build artificial brains. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for developing AGI, outlining the necessary steps and challenges along the way. Through its detailed analysis and thoughtful discussions, NGI offers valuable insights into the future of AI and its potential to revolutionize our world. Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, or simply interested in the wonders of intelligence, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of natural and artificial intelligence.

Weight: 756g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192843883