Adaptive Basins and Strange Peaks
Knowledge is pattern recognition. And pattern recognition is a process of forming associations. We have different ways of forming associations; one such process I've talked about from time to time is based on Boltzmann mechanisms. The idea here is that the different points on the graph, pictured above, represent different possible patterns of association, and the best patterns are those with the lowest potential energy (the least conflict, the greatest consistence...), as represented by pits. As we weigh one possibility and then another then another, it's like rolling a marble on the graph. Eventually we settle on a low point. But - notice - it might be a shallow low point. Then we actually have to expend energy and shake up our thinking to escape these 'local minima' (this is why I say that learning is practice and reflection - and this is the bit about learning that the 'core knowledge' types miss completely). Eventually, we get to the deepest point - the most stable configuration. The best pattern. (Then tomorrow, we have to do it all again, because in a complex environment the deepest pit is a stange attractor, which means it's always moving). The Technium, Kevin Kelly, April 30, 2009. [Link] [Tags: none] [Previous][Next]
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Re: Adaptive Basins and Strange Peaks
Kia ora Stephen.
Interesting that thermodynamics (tut-tut, I shouldn't have said that) can be related to learning. Just like resting in the dimple recesses, having a shallow grasp of things permits a facile motion to the next. Trouble with being in the deep hole is the learner has difficulty in ascending to accommodate other learning.
How to levitate freely or tunnel through to other patterns is the province of the deep yet facile thinker. Only they can appreciate the catalyst to lower the bumps between recesses, or remove them altogether.
Catchya later
from Middle-earth [Comment]
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Re: Adaptive Basins and Strange Peaks
> How to levitate freely or tunnel through to other patterns is the province of the deep yet facile thinker.
Right. That's why diversity is important. That's why a wide variety of experiences is important. This loandscape is constantly changing, and you need to shake up your thinking to either reaffirm your current position or rest in a new one. [Comment]
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