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Speaker: Prof. Michael Q. Zhang

Time: 10:10-11:30 AM, 2 Dec., 2024

Venue: Room 111, Lynn Library

Fundamental difference between natural and artificial intelligence

Topic: Fundamental difference between natural and artificial intelligence

Speaker: Prof. Michael Q. Zhang

Time: 10:10-11:30 AM, 2 Dec., 2024

Venue: Room 111, Lynn Library


Abstract:

The presentation encapsulated a series of key questions that underscored the complexity between artificial intelligence (AI) and natural intelligence (NI). The initial focus lay on the diverse nature of AI and NI, emphasizing the challenge in defining intelligence while highlighting its recognizable manifestations. The discourse also addressed the intricate nature of the brain's functionality, underscoring that functional circuits transcend mere anatomical configurations, and intriguingly, the argument that the brain itself and even neurons might not be imperative for realizing NI, wherein cognition is posited as an intrinsic quality inherent to macromolecular and cellular structures. A pivotal segment delved into the ethical dimensions and emotional limitations of AI, contending that the achievement of complete Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is not only unfeasible but also unnecessary, advocating for AI's contribution in enhancing our comprehension of NI and vice versa in broader scientific paradigms. In this context, the concept of hybrid systems emerged as a tantalizing avenue for both augmenting human capabilities and remedying inherent limitations. The presentation concluded with an examination of the Evolution-Development (Evo-Devo) implications, investigating the plausibility of computational models within biological frameworks and exploring the intriguing Penrose Three Worlds concept (Physical->Mental->Mathematical->) within this evolving narrative and its in silico unification.

In sum, the discourse provided an illuminating insight into the multifaceted connections and debates between AI and NI, delving into their distinctions, ethical contours, and more importantly evolutionary connotations.

 

Introduction:

Michael Q. Zhang于1981年作为第一批李政道研究生公派留学。1987年在罗格斯大学(Rutgers University)获得统计物理学博士学位,并在柯朗数学科学研究所(Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences)完成博士后研究。之后加入美国冷泉港实验室,于2002年成为冷泉港实验室Watson生物研究生院首位取得正教授职位的华人科学家。2010年在美国德克萨斯州立大学达拉斯分校创建系统生物学中心,成为Cecil H. and Ida Green Distinguished Chair Professor。2003-2021年为清华大学信息学院-医学院双聘客座讲席教授。2023年-至今,为复旦大学访问学者。

Michael Q. Zhang长期致力于运用数学和物理模型来解决复杂的生物学难题,是国际生物信息学界的权威科学家,中国近代生物信息学重要奠基人之一。对基因组学、表观遗传和基因调控等研究方面有突出成就,是多家权威期刊编委,美国NSF、NIH及国际多个基金的评委。


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