Nina Poth (Science of Intelligence), “Exploring the prospects for a prediction-oriented view of intelligence”

Abstract: It has recently been proposed that a minimal condition of intelligence is the ability to form accurate predictions (Tjøstheim & Stephens 2021). In this talk, I evaluate the promise of this view for integrating intelligence research across subdisciplines within the cognitive and life sciences. I argue that this view combines two desirable features: (1) it allows us to subsume key dimensions identifying intelligent behaviour, such as goal-directedness, adaptiveness, generality, and flexibility (Coelho Mollo 2021; Glock 2019), under a unifying conceptual framework; (2) it combines well with a non-symbolic approach to representation at various degrees of abstraction (Gärdenfors 2004). Thereby, the predictive view provides opportunities for sharing concepts and transforming problems across research on artificial and biological intelligence. However, an outstanding issue with this approach is its current lack of insight into the relevant mechanisms and functional interactions generating intelligent behavior. I respond to this challenge by discussing a set of available research heuristics for mechanism discovery (Poth 2022).

References

Coelho Mollo, D. (2022). Intelligent Behaviour. Erkenntnis, 1-17.
Gärdenfors, P. (2004). Conceptual spaces as a framework for knowledge representation. Mind and Matter, 2(2), 9-27.
Glock, H. J. (2019). Agency, intelligence and reasons in animals. Philosophy, 94(4), 645-671.
Poth, N. (2022). Schema-centred unity and process-centred pluralism of the predictive mind. Minds and Machines, 32(3), 433-459.
Tjøstheim, T. A., & Stephens, A. (2021). Intelligence as Accurate Prediction. Review of Philosophy and Psychology, 1-25.

This talk will take place in person at SCIoI.