Simulation-based experimentation to test the theories and hypotheses regarding 'skills as brain-based information processing between perception and action, that use slow neurons in parallel, that are are passed through the genome, and that have evolved'.
- The current research investigates the evolution of skills (in vertebrates).
We suggest looking at some examples, starting with an
innate skill, a
learned skill, and a group-level set of
complementary & interactive skills.
We also suggest looking at the potential
timeline of emerging skills,
as well as considering some
hypotheses,
and some alternative
methodologies and paradigms.
- What does it take to walk? We start with the
action,
then look at the skill,
and then at the movement.
We propose an innate skill-automaton.
- How do we stop from falling over while
walking up a slope?
The skill integrate information from the
perception of gravity, and adjusts joint angles so
that the plumb line from the centre of gravity to the floor does not go too
far from the supporting limbs.
- How do we intercept someone or
chase prey? The skill needs to
utilize perception actively to control
the direction of the chase. The skill needs to twist the hip-joint to
face toward and run toward the prey. The skill needs to integrate conditions
of the form "if ... then ...", or "unless ... do ...".
- How do we
mimick someone, such as for
imprinting or following a fitness leader? Information from visual
observation is converted into joint-angle instructions for action.
- How do we learn from mimicry? Some skill needs
to abstract and store the output
information from an innate skill and integrate it into an internal
representation of a learned skill in order to generate appropriate future
action. In language terms, the description of the leader's action has to be
stored while preserving the time sequence: "first do ... then do ... then do ...".
- How do we
optimize the chase by running in a
straight line to intercept the prey? The skill needs to
predict where the
prey will run and where the predator might intercept. The direction for the
chase is
chosen from the predicted point of interception. In language terms, since
the prediction has to precede the action, we need hypothetical constructions
such as: "if the prey were to run in this direction and if I were to run in
that direction then I could catch the prey at ..."
- How do we coordinate action with group-level
complementary skill sets. From simple
information exchanges to communication - this may be the root of spoken and
written language for humans.
The research is very much a work in progress, and is documented (at least in part) on this Web site using the organization below: