Artificial Intelligence and Human Cognition: An Exploration

The study of artificial intelligence (AI) and human cognition is a rapidly evolving and interdisciplinary field. It spans computer science, statistics, and big data, as well as cognitive science, psychology, and philosophy. As a transformative technology, AI has made remarkable strides in understanding natural language and simulating human reasoning, proving invaluable in enhancing human cognition. Yet, many fundamental questions remain about the nature of AI and its relationship to human thought. This course invites students on an intellectual journey to explore these questions. Through engaging discussions, reflective readings, and metaphorical explorations, participants examine the philosophical, ethical, and societal dimensions of AI's connection to human cognition. The course prioritizes critical thinking and conceptual understanding over technical expertise. Key discussion topics include systems and paradigms, the nature of intelligence, computational approaches, and metaphors of mind and machine. The course then explores human aspects of AI, such as creativity, intuition, and cognitive biases, followed by ethical and philosophical questions arising from AI's design and use. The final lectures focus on human-machine collaboration and the future of AI. Students engage in informed debates that could influence our understanding of AI, its nature, and future, as well as its impact on human culture and economics. Working in small groups, they apply forward-looking analysis techniques to create comprehensive frameworks that integrate economic, political, technical, ethical, and social perspectives. This process helps identify potential unintended consequences and roadblocks, equipping students with the tools to address complex challenges effectively.