A.I. Movie Project: Final Thoughts

Overall, I really enjoyed the movie assignment. I think it was a fun project because we got to explore great movies about artificial intelligence and be creative in the process. The assignment was also a fantastic opportunity for deep thinking and analysis, not just about the movies, but also about the class, human and technological progress, and the world in general. Furthermore, my partner was a real pleasure to work with, and we had a blast with each other.

Admittedly, my partner and I had a lot of trouble narrowing down AI movies that were not already selected. This problem is the only aspect of the project that I didn’t like. I think the assignment needs to modified so that everyone has an easier time in making make movie decisions as soon as possible. Furthermore, the project should use a broader theme, because AI movies that are not in the mainstream can be quite hard to track down.

The only other downside, which was not directly related to the project itself, was the difficultly my partner and I had in meeting; we had very busy and conflicting schedules. However, in the end, we were able to work around any challenges and create an incredible Powerpoint show.

To conclude, I want to thank Professor Harris for an excellent class and the amazing opportunities presented by this project. It is a great send-off for the semester, especially considering Christmas is almost here!

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My Experiment: Motivated Object Encoding

I participated in an experiment called Motivated Object Encoding. This study had two parts. In the first phase, I was shown pictures of various objects inside a red, blue, or green frame on a computer program. Using parts of the keyboard, I had to rate the plausibility of the object being the color of the frame. I then had to follow a series of left or right arrow cues that immediately followed each object. I had to react quickly. Afterwards, I filled out questionnaires regarding my current emotional state.

In the second phase, carried out two days after the first, I was again shown pictures of objects. Also using keys, I had to state whether I had seen the object two days ago and what color it was, as well as how certain I was of my answers. After I finished the second part, I completed the study by filling out questionnaires regarding my current emotional state, my psychological health in general, and my personality, as well as the Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire.

The Motivated Object Encoding experiment was a bit long and tedious, but I enjoyed it. I think the results of the study are deeply influenced by numerous factors, especially mental health, memory, and imagination. In light of what we have learned in class, I think that this study will help answer more questions about the nature of the brain and memory, as well as what factors can affect and potentially improve them. I hope to participate in and research other experiments like this one in the future.

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Alone With A Cat: An Amazing Social Interaction

I have had a long history of good relationships with dogs (even though I was afraid of them as a little kid) and I am very happy to say I have several of my own. My most interesting social interaction up to this point, however, has been with a cat. This is not to say my experiences with dogs were not interesting; it’s just that the bond between them and me was natural and expected. Cats, meanwhile, always seemed mysterious to me.

This summer, I spent a few nights at my uncle’s house. When I arrived, he told me that he was taking care of the cat of a friend of his for a few days. Feeling unsure of what to do, I decided to avoid the cat for the time being.

Later that night, as I was using my laptop on my (temporary) bed, who should walk in but the cat! Her name was Ginger, and she was lovely. I made sure to remain at east and reassuring to her, and gently said hello. Almost immediately, Ginger jumped up onto the bed and starting rubbing her head, whiskers, and tail against my back and hips. She let me pet her on her head and scratch behind her ears and neck. After mere minutes, she was lying down and letting me rub her tummy; I had a new friend! She kept me a lot of company for the remainder of my stay. She seemed quite sad when I had to go.

It is fascinating to have bonds with animals. They really are full of surprises, and that adds to why they are and should be a key aspect of a human being’s life.

http://www.freewebs.com/brightstar-leaderofcloudclan/gray_cat.jpg

(Note: Above picture is random. I can't post pictures of Ginger... for obvious reasons.)

Lecture: Cognitive Semantics And Network Analysis

I enjoyed Professor Greg Appelbaum’s lecture regarding the semantics and networks of cognitive neuroscience and their analyses. He gave some very interesting talks about how so many different words, concepts, and mental processes are linked together. For example, he talked about how vastly different words that appear only vaguely linked in some way are actually constantly inter-connected in our minds. Furthermore, his research seemed to indicate an intriguing fact: emotion-related words and concepts seem to split off into their own network. These revelations, combined with new technology that is working on mapping our cognitive structures, are revolutionizing the scientific community's study of human thought and language.

My only criticism, thought, is that Professor Appelbaum could have provided a little more introduction and background to his subject. Cognitive semantics and networks can be somewhat complex, and they tie very heavily into much deeper studies of the human brain and other aspects of neuroscience.

Overall, though, I appreciated the lecture. The research that the lectured explored contains more evidence of the vast wonders we can uncover regarding ourselves and how the brain is absolutely critical to understanding humanity.

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Erich Fromm: A Truly Incredible Philosopher

By far my favorite philosopher was the humanist and social psychologist Erich Fromm. Born in Germany, he fled once the Nazis took over, and traveled around the world throughout his life. Fromm emphasized that human beings were unique in that they were the only species that could interfere with their own growth. Therefore, they must always ensure that they change for the better.

He once stated: “I believe that none can ‘save’ his fellow man by making a choice for him. To help him, he can indicate the possible alternatives, with sincerity and love, without being sentimental and without illusion.”

Fromm’s quote, and the man himself, represents where I want to go with my life. I understand today that humanity has the potential for so much better; we must evolve to use that potential if we want to survive and overcome our current problems.

I know, however, that I can’t change people. I can only change myself and provide some amount of guidance to others by showing them the way. It can be very difficult for me to remember this lesson, but I guess life is all about learning, isn’t it? In any case, I know I’m making progress, and I feel more at peace knowing that I have incredible men like Fromm, in their own ways, guiding me.

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