Towards Virtual Brains

Abstract

In this chapter, we argue that computers are potentially capable of human-level cognition, including experiences involving emotions, creativity, fantasy, humor, etc. In addition, we maintain that computational neuroanatomy will play a key role towards the computer generation of minds by investigating the roots of the structure—activity—function relationships in the nervous system. Using the hippocampus as a working example, we outline a long-term strategy to (i) implement an anatomically and biophysically accurate “bottom-up” model reproducing the known neurobiological activity; (ii) use the model to investigate and implement simple functional properties such as spatial mapping and path-finding; and (iii) insert a higher level “top-down” cognitive capacity to instantiate the concept of agency in the context of a generalized memory indexing theory. Finally, we briefly discuss the potential consequences of the computer generation of functionally complete virtual brains for neuroscience research, information technology, and human society.