REVIEW (first month of class)

Some material for review from the first month. 

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Orangutan Jungle School--

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Levels of Explanation

When we're trying to understand animal minds, we can understand them at multiple levels. We can give multiple explanations for the same behavior. Since they're at multiple levels, they can all be true.

Three levels of explanation--David Marr

1. Computational level--what the system is supposed to do--a soda machine is supposed to output soda for money
2. Algorithmic level--the step-by-step procedure whereby the goal is accomplished
3. Implementation level--the exact physical mechanisms that instantiate the algorithm

Application to human/animal brains. Explaining vision.

1. Computational level--what the visual system does, at a very abstract level
2. Algorithmic level--the step-by-step procedure the visual system uses
3. Implementation level--neurons, brain processes that instantiate the algorithm

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Three stances--Daniel Dennett

Suppose I want explain why a human or animal does X.

1. Intentional stance--explain in terms of intentional states--beliefs, desires, hopes, etc.
2. Designed stance--explain in terms of how the system is designed to work
3. Physical stance--explain in terms of physical processes that implement the design

Application to human/animal brains. Yesterday my cat killed a rabbit. Suppose I'm trying to explain this behavior.

1. Intentional stance--explain in terms of Joni's beliefs and desires (what were they?)
2. Design stance--she's designed to hunt small animals for food
3. Physical stance--a sequence of events occurred in X, Y, Z parts of her brain and body

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Andrews is very helpful for basic concepts and terms. Use her glossary and index!