Date sent: Fri, 7 Aug 1998 03:53:22 -0700 (PDT) From: mark@unicorn.com To: extropians@extropy.com Subject: Re: Artificial Environment Compute Power Send reply to: extropians@extropy.com
> Joe Jenkins [joe_jenkins@yahoo.com] wrote:
> >Does not the fact that we can dream indicate that the compute power of
> >our minds includes the compute power needed to run artificial
> >environment simulations?
>
> I think you'd first have to prove that dreams are real and not just false
> memories. I can remember Mt Fuji pretty well, but that doesn't mean I can
> simulate it inside my head.
>
> Mark
Dreaming is a way for the brain to function more efficiently by sifting the day's stimuli for novel or useful memories, comparing/ contrasting them with previously filed data, and shifting those selected for retention into longer-term storage (and dumping the rest) while it is disconnected (offline) from the cerebral load imposed by the exigencies of interaction with the perception-action manifold. If we had to process our perceptions and react to them at the same time we selected for relevance and stored the selections, the cognitive complexity requirements of such massive multitasking would entail such massive brains that we would probably have to carry them around in wheelbarrows. Joe