I am currently strongly interested in how the human mind works and what consciousness actually is — how it arises and how we might be able to create it artificially. This book is a solid item to feed that interest.
This book gives a good introduction and overview of the neurological foundations and the technological perspectives. Unfortunately, the chapter I found most interesting (the one on consciousness), is the most vague at the same time. From what I understand at this point, there just isn't a single convincing theory on where consciousness comes from.
The main downside of this book in my personal view is the character Kurzweil himself and how he portrays himself and his research. Yes, he has achieved amazing things in his lifetime and his predictions for the future have become true a lot of times. Still, he seems quite full of himself, and overall just appears to be very egocentric.
Bottom-line: If you are interested in how the mind works, read this book. Just don't forget to bring your own perspective.
I am currently strongly interested in how the human mind works and what consciousness actually is — how it arises and how we might be able to create it artificially. This book is a solid item to feed that interest.
This book gives a good introduction and overview of the neurological foundations and the technological perspectives. Unfortunately, the chapter I found most interesting (the one on consciousness), is the most vague at the same time. From what I understand at this point, there just isn't a single convincing theory on where consciousness comes from.
The main downside of this book in my personal view is the character Kurzweil himself and how he portrays himself and his research. Yes, he has achieved amazing things in his lifetime and his predictions for the future have become true a lot of times. Still, he seems quite full of himself, and overall just appears to be very egocentric.
Bottom-line: If you are interested in how the mind works, read this book. Just don't forget to bring your own perspective.