Oswald Wiener's Theory of Thought: Conversations and Essays on Fundamental Issues in Cognitive Science

Oswald Wiener, a versatile and creative thinker, transformed from an artist to a researcher due to necessity. He aimed to contrast introspection and automata theory, exploring how they capture essential features of human thought. This book includes three conversations with Wiener and four essays that elaborate on his theory, offering a fresh perspective on cognitive psychology. Wiener's thinking is relevant to the current discourse about Artificial Intelligence, as he sifts through the phenomenology of AI systems to understand their significance for mind, meaning, and reality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2023
Publisher: De Gruyter

Oswald Wiener, a versatile and creative thinker, transformed himself from an artist to a researcher due to sheer necessity. As he approached the end of his life, he emphasized the contrast between introspection and automata theory. He questioned which relationships identified through introspection can be understood as realizations of relationships within a formal system, such as automata theory. Alternatively, he explored how well automata theory, as a model, captures essential features of human thought. The term "in a fairly satisfactory way" in this context requires further exploration. Additionally, Wiener delved into the extent to which the formal system abstracts from natural processes.

This book presents three conversations with Wiener, along with four essays, that introduce and elaborate on his innovative theory of thought. "Cybernetics and Ghosts," his last major essay, plays a pivotal role in this exploration. The subtitle, "In the No-Man's-Land Between Science and Art," may seem unnecessary, as Wiener's thinking operates in a well-developed domain that unfortunately resides in a parallel universe. In this universe, computer scientists are philosophers of mind, cybernetics has not faded away, and psychology has continued beyond Piaget's theories.

Within Oswald Wieners's artistic research, his approach to cognitive psychology stands out. He explored the link between informatics and self-awareness, questioning how technology shapes our understanding of ourselves. Wiener's work sheds light on the relationship between human consciousness and the digital world, raising important questions about the nature of consciousness and its implications for our understanding of the world.

Through his writings and conversations, Oswald Wiener left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and provoke thought. This book serves as a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the boundaries between science, art, and consciousness, offering a fresh perspective on the complex and fascinating realm of thought.

Weight: 383g
Dimension: 200 x 130 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110659610