> > 1) Humans use special-case algorithms to solve these problem, a different > algorithm for each domain > > 2) Humans have a generalized mental tool for solving these problems, but > this tool can only be invoked when complemented by some domain-specific > knowledge > > My intuitive inclination is that the correct explanation is 2) not 1). But > of course, which explanation is correct for humans isn't all that relevant > to AI work in the Novamente v
Lakoff and Nunez (http://perso.unifr.ch/rafael.nunez/reviews.html) have a theory that we compare lengths in our head to do arithmetic, when we're not using school-learned rules. Our innate mathematical ability is based on visuo-spatial comparisons in their view. This would basically be #2, and to use this capability we need to get familiar enough with the problem that our mind translates the numbers involved into length. -Brad ------- To unsubscribe, change your address, or temporarily deactivate your subscription, please go to http://v2.listbox.com/member/?[EMAIL PROTECTED]
