Which Math Field Should I Pursue for AI and Consciousness Modelling?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting a mathematical field relevant to artificial intelligence and consciousness modeling. Participants explore various branches of mathematics and their applicability to these topics, including pure and applied mathematics, as well as interdisciplinary approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in mathematical logic for its theoretical aspects but questions its applicability to consciousness modeling due to concerns about in-computability.
  • Another participant suggests that pure math fields like logic or graph theory may not be suitable for applications, recommending applied mathematics or interdisciplinary studies instead.
  • A different participant emphasizes a preference for pure mathematics and theoretical work, seeking guidance on how to choose a specific area within mathematics.
  • One suggestion is made to consider theoretical computer science as a potential field of interest, although the original poster prefers to remain within mathematics.
  • Another response encourages the original poster to explore various mathematical subjects while also considering courses in computer science, engineering, and physics to inform their decision-making process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the suitability of pure mathematics versus applied mathematics for the original poster's interests. There is no consensus on a specific field to pursue, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of choosing a mathematical field, with some emphasizing the importance of applications while others prioritize theoretical interests. The discussion reflects a range of opinions on how to balance these aspects.

SrVishi
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Hello. I recently asked a question about attending a grad school for logic, but now I am not so sure. I am trying to find a certain math field. As background, I am a university student. I really enjoy all math subjects equally, and to find what subject to go into, I wanted to go into the field that had what I thought were interesting applications. I really like the subjects of artificial intelligence/consciousness and just general modelling of consciousness like neural networks. At first, I was led to believe that mathematical logic would be the field, but various things like the proposed in-computability of consciousness (due to self-referential properties etc) made me reconsider. On the other hand, one article was saying about how researchers at Vanderbilt found graph theory necessary in modeling, so I am a little split. I would like to stay within mathematics, I like the theory and want to work in the theory. The only subject that I'm not as fond of is statistics. Can anyone help me. Sorry for this terribly written post (in an extreme rush). Thanks in advance for any response.
 
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If you care about applications, don't go into a pure math field like logic or graph theory. You might want to go into applied math, or find something interdisciplinary which allows you to work with actual neurologists or psychologists.
 
Hmm, well I very do much enjoy pure mathematics. I understand the whole "do math for it's own sake." I'm sorry if this is confusing (I'm very unclear a lot of the time), but I just wanted a way to help actually decide which areas to go into. I am very much a theory enthusiast. o0)
 
Have you looked into theoretical computer science? I don't know much about what they do, but it seems similar to your interests.
 
No, I have not looked into computer science. I would very much like to stay within the realm of mathematics. I'm just incredibly indecisive within it, and in choosing a field.
 
SrVishi said:
No, I have not looked into computer science. I would very much like to stay within the realm of mathematics. I'm just incredibly indecisive within it, and in choosing a field.
Pick Something! You like Mathematics and want to "stay within Mathematics", and you like both theory and want to find or see applications. Study as much Mathematics as you can at the university and include some courses on Computer Science, Engineering, and Physics. Make adjusted goal decisions as you go.
 

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