CGS Lecture 1

Cognitive Science

The scientific study of the mind and how it works.

Interdisciplinary Field

A field that incorporates ideas and tools from various disciplines, such as psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and computer science.

Psychology

The study of the mind and behavior, exploring knowledge, learning, and the organization of behavior through scientific and non-scientific methods.

Neuroscience

The study of the neural basis of perception, cognition, and action, examining the structure and function of the nervous system.

Neuroanatomy

The study of the structure of neurons and neural tracts using techniques like staining/labeling dyes and brain imaging.

Neurophysiology

The study of the functions of neurons, often involving recording from single neurons.

Neuropsychology

The examination of the global functions of brain areas by studying lesions and observing brain activity.

Computer Science, Engineering, Robotics

Fields focusing on building machines that simulate functions such as perception, cognition, and intelligence.

Philosophy

The discipline that formulates different ways of perceiving problems.

Sensation and Perception

The process of internalizing the physical world through various senses like vision, audition, and touch.

Cognition

The mental processes involved in understanding, thought, planning, problem-solving, and memory.

Communication

The conveyance of information through speech, language, gestures, and body language.

Action

The manipulation of the environment and navigation through it.

Emotion

The experience of feelings such as fear, happiness, and sadness.

Cognitive Science Inquiry

The approach of reverse engineering to understand the design and functioning of complex systems like the human brain.

Reverse Engineering

Starting from a solution, such as the human brain, to understand its design and workings.