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Jul 30, 2025
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PSY 2450H - MAKING MINDS: CREATING ARTIFICIALCOGNITIVE SYSTEMS
credits: 3.0
Explores the emerging field of artificial cognitive systems. Modeled on human cognition, artificial cognitive systems are designed to act autonomously to achieve goals by perceiving their environment, learning from experience, and adapting their actions. Born most directly from cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence, this interdisciplinary branch of cognitive science-which intersects with other fields such as philosophy, neuroscience, and developmental psychology-focuses on the development of systems that can solve problems much in the way humans do. A flexible framework for creating such systems, known as a cognitive architecture, requires both a working definition of the term cognition and consideration of several key theoretical and practical issues, from autonomy and embodiment to learning, memory, and knowledge representation. This course presents an overview of major accomplishments in the field in the context of ongoing challenges and continuing debates, as well as an examination of popular portrayals of various forms of artificial intelligence in the media. Objectives: A) Identify the major goals, accomplishments, and challenges that characterize the field of artificial cognitive systems; B) Compare and contrast basic aspects of human cognition with various forms of artificial intelligence; C) Discuss the role of processes such as development, learning, memory, and knowledge representation in the creation of a cognitive architecture; D) Explain how the key issues of autonomy and embodiment influence the development of an artificial cognitive system; E) Critique representations of artificial intelligence in popular media by applying concepts and terminology utilized in the fields of cognitive psychology and artificial cognitive systems. Method of Instruction: Taught mainly in the seminar format, students will be expected to read assigned sections of the main text and related chapters or articles prior to class, and come prepared to discuss key issues. Seminar discussions will be supplemented by occasional lectures and demonstrations led by the instructor, as well as student presentations. Several films will be screened outside of class for the purpose of in-class discussion and debate. Method of Evaluation: Grades will be based on performance on in-class quizzes, short writing assignments, a class presentation, and contribution to class discussions. Class participation will be evaluated based on the quality of critical thought reflected by the students ability to use evidence and examples from the assigned readings to support an argument.
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission of the Instructor.
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