Cogsci 200 Exam 3 Review UPDATED ACTUAL Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Objections to computational theory of mind 1. That we (computational theory of mind) cannot explain the emotions we
experience (emotions are more complex than an algorithm can explain)
2. Computational theory of mind can't explain consciousness (our conscious
experience)
Why are these objections to the computational theory of 1. Some emotions can be explained by effect programs, meaning some of the
mind wrong bigger emotions we know about CAN be explained as computations
2. CTM didn't claim it could solve the hard problem of consciousness
Claims this course is making about how the mind works the brain IS a computer and ALL mentation is computation
Are emotions and rationality at odds with each other No! There is no "great divide" between emotion and rationality. They are deeply
intertwined —emotions are a fundamental part of the overall control system of the
mind and brain a crucial motivational link between perception and action. So,
emotion should not be understood as antithetical to reason. Emotion is not simply
an inconsequential "upgrade" to give an organism "feelings."
What are emotions? They are special algorithms (special kinds of computational programs) If [we
encounter a particular situation in the environment]→ THEN [activation of effector
program]
Functional view of emotions problem the capacity is supposed to solve-->mapping from situations to feelings,
bodily response patterns, facial expressions (physiological and experiential
changes)
, Algorithmic view of emotions procedures that enable the problem to be solved--> situation-->appraisal
program-->effector program
Physical view of emotions the neural/chemical substrates in which the procedures are implemented--> (1)
thalamus (2) cortex (3) amygdala
Appraisal program Emotions are special kinds of affect programs. How does this situation stand in
relation to my goals and values? Ex. That bear presents a threat of severe injury
Effector program Changes in cognitive, physiological, motoric, and experiential systems (generates
the "feeling" of an emotion like the experiential character of the emotion).
Changes in action tendencies. Ex. attention directed at threat, increased heart
rate, fight or flight action tendencies
Why is it hard to explain conscious experience It's the experiential, qualitative, phenomenological character of a mental state.
Private and hard to describe. Explaining what seeing an apple is like or what
walking in the sand on the beach is like. Or the feeling of sun on your skin is like.
Or hearing a bell ring. We have conscious access to them but have a hard time
finding the words to tell people about them.
The Emotion Rationality Dichotomy Emotions/Heart:
● Insensitive to reasons
● Feeling driven
Rationality/Head:
● Cold, calculated
● Computing
Our take: emotions are special kinds of algorithms that play an integral role in
rational decision making, perception, and action. Emotions and rationality are
deeply intertwined.
Abstract Appraisal Program Stimulus: What is going on around me? (Witness event)-> Appraisal Program: How
does situation relate to my goals? (Process)-> Effector Program: How do/should I
respond (Physiological, Action tendency)
Happiness Appraisal Program Stimulus (attending a friend's wedding)--> Appraisal Program (I want my friend to
be happy. His marriage promotes this)--> Effector Program (Cognitive: memories,
expanded attention, Physiologic: hormones, Experiential: Feeling of happiness,
Motoric: Smiling Motivational: support/prioritize marriage
CORRECT Answers
Objections to computational theory of mind 1. That we (computational theory of mind) cannot explain the emotions we
experience (emotions are more complex than an algorithm can explain)
2. Computational theory of mind can't explain consciousness (our conscious
experience)
Why are these objections to the computational theory of 1. Some emotions can be explained by effect programs, meaning some of the
mind wrong bigger emotions we know about CAN be explained as computations
2. CTM didn't claim it could solve the hard problem of consciousness
Claims this course is making about how the mind works the brain IS a computer and ALL mentation is computation
Are emotions and rationality at odds with each other No! There is no "great divide" between emotion and rationality. They are deeply
intertwined —emotions are a fundamental part of the overall control system of the
mind and brain a crucial motivational link between perception and action. So,
emotion should not be understood as antithetical to reason. Emotion is not simply
an inconsequential "upgrade" to give an organism "feelings."
What are emotions? They are special algorithms (special kinds of computational programs) If [we
encounter a particular situation in the environment]→ THEN [activation of effector
program]
Functional view of emotions problem the capacity is supposed to solve-->mapping from situations to feelings,
bodily response patterns, facial expressions (physiological and experiential
changes)
, Algorithmic view of emotions procedures that enable the problem to be solved--> situation-->appraisal
program-->effector program
Physical view of emotions the neural/chemical substrates in which the procedures are implemented--> (1)
thalamus (2) cortex (3) amygdala
Appraisal program Emotions are special kinds of affect programs. How does this situation stand in
relation to my goals and values? Ex. That bear presents a threat of severe injury
Effector program Changes in cognitive, physiological, motoric, and experiential systems (generates
the "feeling" of an emotion like the experiential character of the emotion).
Changes in action tendencies. Ex. attention directed at threat, increased heart
rate, fight or flight action tendencies
Why is it hard to explain conscious experience It's the experiential, qualitative, phenomenological character of a mental state.
Private and hard to describe. Explaining what seeing an apple is like or what
walking in the sand on the beach is like. Or the feeling of sun on your skin is like.
Or hearing a bell ring. We have conscious access to them but have a hard time
finding the words to tell people about them.
The Emotion Rationality Dichotomy Emotions/Heart:
● Insensitive to reasons
● Feeling driven
Rationality/Head:
● Cold, calculated
● Computing
Our take: emotions are special kinds of algorithms that play an integral role in
rational decision making, perception, and action. Emotions and rationality are
deeply intertwined.
Abstract Appraisal Program Stimulus: What is going on around me? (Witness event)-> Appraisal Program: How
does situation relate to my goals? (Process)-> Effector Program: How do/should I
respond (Physiological, Action tendency)
Happiness Appraisal Program Stimulus (attending a friend's wedding)--> Appraisal Program (I want my friend to
be happy. His marriage promotes this)--> Effector Program (Cognitive: memories,
expanded attention, Physiologic: hormones, Experiential: Feeling of happiness,
Motoric: Smiling Motivational: support/prioritize marriage
