Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid

Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid

Hofstadter D., 1999

Overview

Douglas Hofstadter's Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid delves into the intricate relationships between formal systems and consciousness. The book explores how meaning, reduction, and recursion form the bedrock of cognitive science. Hofstadter posits that the formal system underlying mental activity transcends its supporting structure, drawing parallels between life emerging from chemical substrates and consciousness arising from neuronal networks.

The central theme revolves around the idea that if life can originate from the formal chemical foundation of a cell and consciousness from a formal system of firing neurons, then computers, too, can potentially achieve human intelligence. This exploration extends to the nature of maps and links between formal systems, providing a comprehensive view of how these concepts intertwine.

Gödel, Escher, Bach offers a deep dive into the fascinating ideas at the core of cognitive science, examining how self-reference and hierarchical structures play a crucial role in intelligence and understanding. The book challenges readers to consider the boundaries of artificial intelligence and the essence of human thought.

Who it's for

• Readers interested in cognitive science and artificial intelligence.
• Students of computer science and philosophy.
• Individuals fascinated by the nature of consciousness and intelligence.
• Those seeking a comprehensive exploration of formal systems and their implications.
• Anyone curious about the intersection of mathematics, art, and music.

Key features

• Author: Hofstadter D.
• Publisher: Little, Brown
• Format: Paperback
• Publication Year: 1999
• Number of Pages: 832
• Dimensions: 168x232 mm
• ISBN: 9780465026562
• Weight: 1210 grams