592
14 Neural Networks and Brains
based on the input of various subconscious processes whose urgencies are high. The
actual problem solving is done by-and-large subconsciously. 17 The activity of the
conscious network reaches to every memory associated with each thought. Most of
these memory stimulations and their permeations occur subconsciously, except for
the strongest, or the ones that match a pattern search, or the ones which have a lower
threshold of activation due to associated anxieties imprinted with the memory.
During sleep or unconsciousness, many of the thresholds for activating the
conscious network are set higher than during wakefulness. These thresholds are
maintained by neural suppression actions. The purpose of sleep appears to be
not only to allow cells and organs to recover from any debilitating activity, but
also to review recent memories, and to select those with consequential impact
to be allocated for permanent memory. While in the sleeping review condition,
memories send signals to the parts of the brain which ordinarily cause hormone
production, muscles movement, and other stimulations corresponding to those
memories. However, the thresholds for these inter-brain stimulations are also set
higher in sleep. Unconsciousness and semi-consciousness can also be self-induced,
or induced by chemical changes in the blood, and by trauma to the brain. Hypnosis,
memory avoidance, pain suppression, and various form of trances are forms of selfinduced altered consciousness, wherein some neural networks are partially blocked
while others may be allowed to have increased activity. Post-trauma stress disorder
(PTSD) is an example. Autism also affects cognition, but is associated with a variety
of more permanent physiological pathologies. Certain networks of neurons of the
brain may become hyperactive due to external stimulation, such as light flashing at
an alpha-wave frequency, to physiologically unusual conditions, as in epilepsy, or
to pharmacological stimulation. Hyperactive neurons may be an advantage in brain
function, but has the disadvantage of being close to uncontrolled neuronal firing,
producing seizure.
14.6 Artificial Intelligence
A sidelight to brain investigations is the exploration of neuronal systems that show
intelligence. ‘Intelligence’ may be defined as the ability to successfully respond to
new problems, and to be able to solve (or, if deemed too difficult, to dissolve) a new
problem in a reasonable length of time. The shorter the time, the more intelligent
the response. A problem is a challenge to find a series of actions which allows one
to proceed from an initial state to a desired final state. Some problems are close to
solved a problem are simply not aware of the subconscious program working ‘in the background’
while they concentrated on other matters.
17 There is good evidence that the reticular activating system, a neural network which has pathways
to the cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord, is that part of the brain’s network that monitors,
evaluates, and allocates brain resources. This network, therefore, satisfies our definition of the
conscious network.
14 Neural Networks and Brains
based on the input of various subconscious processes whose urgencies are high. The
actual problem solving is done by-and-large subconsciously. 17 The activity of the
conscious network reaches to every memory associated with each thought. Most of
these memory stimulations and their permeations occur subconsciously, except for
the strongest, or the ones that match a pattern search, or the ones which have a lower
threshold of activation due to associated anxieties imprinted with the memory.
During sleep or unconsciousness, many of the thresholds for activating the
conscious network are set higher than during wakefulness. These thresholds are
maintained by neural suppression actions. The purpose of sleep appears to be
not only to allow cells and organs to recover from any debilitating activity, but
also to review recent memories, and to select those with consequential impact
to be allocated for permanent memory. While in the sleeping review condition,
memories send signals to the parts of the brain which ordinarily cause hormone
production, muscles movement, and other stimulations corresponding to those
memories. However, the thresholds for these inter-brain stimulations are also set
higher in sleep. Unconsciousness and semi-consciousness can also be self-induced,
or induced by chemical changes in the blood, and by trauma to the brain. Hypnosis,
memory avoidance, pain suppression, and various form of trances are forms of selfinduced altered consciousness, wherein some neural networks are partially blocked
while others may be allowed to have increased activity. Post-trauma stress disorder
(PTSD) is an example. Autism also affects cognition, but is associated with a variety
of more permanent physiological pathologies. Certain networks of neurons of the
brain may become hyperactive due to external stimulation, such as light flashing at
an alpha-wave frequency, to physiologically unusual conditions, as in epilepsy, or
to pharmacological stimulation. Hyperactive neurons may be an advantage in brain
function, but has the disadvantage of being close to uncontrolled neuronal firing,
producing seizure.
14.6 Artificial Intelligence
A sidelight to brain investigations is the exploration of neuronal systems that show
intelligence. ‘Intelligence’ may be defined as the ability to successfully respond to
new problems, and to be able to solve (or, if deemed too difficult, to dissolve) a new
problem in a reasonable length of time. The shorter the time, the more intelligent
the response. A problem is a challenge to find a series of actions which allows one
to proceed from an initial state to a desired final state. Some problems are close to
solved a problem are simply not aware of the subconscious program working ‘in the background’
while they concentrated on other matters.
17 There is good evidence that the reticular activating system, a neural network which has pathways
to the cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord, is that part of the brain’s network that monitors,
evaluates, and allocates brain resources. This network, therefore, satisfies our definition of the
conscious network.