The Concept of Recursion in Cognitive Studies. Part II: From Turing to Bayes to Consciousness
https://doi.org/10.17726/philIT.2024.2.1
Abstract
This article discusses the concept of recursion in mathematics, AI, cognitive studies and its relationship to consciousness. The development of the notion is followed in parallel with the history of computability theory when concepts of Turing oracle and probabilistic machines were introduced. Also, such recursive computational techniques as Bayesian Recursive Estimation and Bayesian hierarchical inference are reviewed. It is shown that, with each novation in recursive methods, the limits of computability have expanded. The author argues that recursion is a vital aspect of human cognition, particularly in the development and interpretation of complex language. The paper also addresses the challenges of studying recursion and consciousness, such as the subjective nature of consciousness and the complexity of neural networks associated with conscious thought. Additionally, the paper examines the limitations of current theories of cognitive processing and language acquisition in understanding recursion and consciousness. The article concludes that investigating the relationship between recursion and consciousness is critical for developing a deeper understanding of language and cognitive processing. The author anticipates that a future recursionbased theory will help solve principal metaphysical conundrums of the past and the present.
About the Author
I. F. Mikhailov
Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Mikhailov Igor Felixovich, Doctor of Philosophy, Leading researcher
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Mikhailov I.F. The Concept of Recursion in Cognitive Studies. Part II: From Turing to Bayes to Consciousness. Philosophical Problems of IT & Cyberspace (PhilIT&C). 2024;(2):4-22. https://doi.org/10.17726/philIT.2024.2.1
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