LIBS 123: Cognitive Science Fiction

Course Description

What does it mean to be human? Can machines fall in love? Can our consciousness be transmitted to another human being or substance? Is language fundamental to communication of thought? If so how would communication with other life forms proceed? These questions have traditionally been the domain of science fiction. However, given advances in technology, scientists are asking these questions with increasing frequency. This course explores the interplay between science and fiction. Each week we will examine a particular question through both science and fiction (book, film, etc) and see to what extent the science coincides with, or deviates from, the fiction. There will be a heavy emphasis on topics in cognitive science - an interdisciplinary science of mind and intelligence encompassing fields such as cognitive psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience and artificial intelligence.