Cognitive Science

Test 1 / 2000

Created: 3/1/2000

Instructions: Due at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 9.

Use the CS main page as the source for your answers. You may submit your answers as hard copy or as e-mail (either as straight e-mail or as a Word attachment).

Answers should be legible (i.e., not hand written), complete, thoughtful, and articulate. You may consult with me via e-mail as you develop your answers (probably a good strategy).

1. Describe the history of cognitive science. Briefly discuss the classic questions in philosophy which now interest cognitive science. Then, fast forward to the 20th century. When does cognitive science emerge? What disciplines does it use as a foil? What are the disciplines which have contributed to cognitive science. Predict the future of cognitive science (i.e., the next 50 years).

2. Why is Alan Turing a central figure to the rise of cognitive science? What was his MAIN contribution? Describe it. Do you think we have met his challenge yet? Why or why not.

3. What is the most important part of the brain and why? Now, create a list of the rest of the parts of the brain in order of importance. Tell me why each part is important.

4. Discuss the concept of interface. Use the section in the CS pages about the 10 top interfaces in history as a guide. What is an interface? Why are the 10 instances such good examples of interface. Finally, nominate another interface for inclusion in the list.

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