Conclusion

It remains difficult to define many of these concepts such as mind, intelligence and consciousness. Our intuition and fundamental beliefs about what exactly these phenomena are often lead us to misinterpreting what they truly are. Regardless of the exact definition, it is important to realize that an evolutionary and systems analysis is applicable and intelligence and complex behavior can be viewed as an emergent phenomenon. A systems analysis draws upon nearly all disciplines which attempt to answer these questions.

Future research cannot ignore fundamental truths of the brain. The importance of feedback, the cross-association of the senses as well as the deeply rooted overlap between the “motor cortex” and “sensory cortex” must be addressed when developing a framework to understand behavior and intelligence. We can no longer view each sense of the brain as independent. Rather, we must realize that our senses are deeply intertwined with our thoughts, actions and movements within a memory-prediction system.

Hawkins has offered an explanation of what the brain, specifically the neocortex, which is responsible for complex behavior, does at the computational level. He explains that the brain is a predictive modeling system. It makes predictions about what we are going to hear, see and feel. It detects anomalies and makes you aware of something that you didn’t expect. Finally, based off of these predictions, it takes actions which generates our behavior. When viewing the brain as a predictive-modeling system it is clear that this system allows human to adapt to practically any environment. By having a framework in place, we can better identify and understand the specific operating principles of the brain.

It is of the utmost importance to further examine the architecture of the brain to see how structure and function interact. Additionally, the development of the brain must be put in the proper context of epigenetics and analyzed within its environment. A deeper explanation of the evolutionary advantage of neurons and the nervous system will lead to a greater understanding of human behavior. It is the process underlying intelligent behavior that needs to be explored, not just the output.

The brain is an organ that has evolved through time. It can be viewed as a complex, dynamic, adaptive system made up of multiple interconnected elements that have the capacity to change and learn from experience. There are billions of neurons that self-organize and create a network, which gives rise to our sense of identity as a living being. The brain has sensors that receive certain stimuli (i.e. physical, emotional, spatio-temporal patterns), an output or response, as well as, a heavy reliance on feedback. Therefore, a systems analysis is applicable; this approach helps illuminate the intricacies and nuances of the brain as a system. The system is dynamic meaning that it changes through time; the dynamic aspects of the brain can be observed in the formation of new neural networks and connections through time. The system is adaptive meaning that it changes in response to the environment; this allows for an evolutionary analysis. Complexity theory discusses the emergence of complex properties from the interaction of simpler components; systems have the potential to spontaneously generate new collective behaviors and structures. A multi-disciplinary view is necessary to comprehend the amazing brain that makes us human. How these phenomena arise does not need to be a mystery. With the proper framework we can further understand the brain, mind, intelligence and consciousness.

Many of the theories presented which discuss the brain’s capacity for consciousness and intelligence at their most basic level can be viewed using a systems analysis. Any complex system, especially the brain, is much greater than a sum of its parts. The intricate web of interrelationships of simpler components can shed light on underlying processes of the system.

The study of the true functioning of the brain is contingent on so many issues that seem small, but can really change your view of modeling human behavior. In research, we have certain choices. One approach is to compare and contrast certain models and then highlight the differences. However, to unlock the real functioning of the neocortex, the root of our complex behavior, we cannot be looking for differences among the systems, when there are so many similarities throughout. In a similar sense, we can decide to examine the brain and human behavior on the individual or group level. Psychology primarily examines the brain on the individual level, while anthropology, sociology and other related fields examine human behavior on the group level. As we continue to gain knowledge about human behavior on these different levels of analysis, we have to work towards aligning these levels into one cohesive model.

Similar to any complex adaptive system, a few simple fundamental rules or laws cannot fully explain how the human brain functions. Intelligence and consciousness emerge in a system that is powerful enough to have a self-referential, self-modeling capability. We are a part of nature, embedded in the environment, and as conscious beings we have the unique ability to think about and represent ourselves. Our ability to thrive in the future is contingent on how accurately our self-reflective cortical models reflect the true nature of the world.