Friday Book Report: The Remembered Present

I have now read several of Gerald M. Edelman’s books.  The Remembered Present:  A Biological Theory of Consciousness continues his work toward a mind-body paradigm with a basis in science.  I do not know if his theories have been supported or supplanted by subsequent research, but conceptually at least they are persuasive and fascinating.

Because his subject is consciousness, he rejects the fiction of the outside observer in scientific methodology.  He takes pains to discuss the implications of this stance as well as the necessity of doing so.  At the same time, he scrupulously ties his arguments to anatomical, physiological, morphological evidence and outlines careful chains of argument to support his points.

I am curious (although not yet curious enough to go look) about the implications of his thought for artificial intelligence, in that he has some interesting observations about “Turing machines” and how they interact with the world.  He rejects the common metaphor of brain as computer with trenchant and often amusing language.

I like books that stretch me.  This is one.  Check it out.