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Active research projects

Understanding each other: Defining a conceptual space for cognitive modeling

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West, R. L., & Leibovitz, D. P. (2012). Understanding each other: Defining a conceptual space for cognitive modeling. 34th annual meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (CogSci 2012) (pp. 2535-2539). Sapporo, Japan. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2760.1128] (PDF)

West & Leibovitz (2012) Understanding each other- Defining a conceptual space for cognitive modelAbstract: Cognitive modeling is a complex endeavor so it is not surprising that the goals and intentions of modelers are often misunderstood, even by other modelers. To try to clarify this we have attempted to map out the various philosophical and theoretical commitments that one makes when creating a cognitive model or architecture. The goal of this is to avoid misunderstandings between the adherents of different modeling systems and between cognitive modelers and the rest of the scientific community.

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Understanding each other: Defining a conceptual space for cognitive modeling (poster)

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West, R. L., & Leibovitz, D. P. (2012). Understanding each other: Defining a conceptual space for cognitive modeling. Poster presented at the 34th annual meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (CogSci 2012). Sapporo, Japan.

Abstract: Cognitive modeling is a complex endeavor so it is not surprising that the goals and intentions of modelers are often misunderstood, even by other modelers. To try to clarify this we have attempted to map out the various philosophical and theoretical commitments that one makes when creating a cognitive model or architecture. The goal of this is to avoid misunderstandings between the adherents of different modeling systems and between cognitive modelers and the rest of the scientific community.

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Modelling visual processing via emergence (Invited Talk)

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2012) Modelling visual processing via emergence. Invited talk presented at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science (CSBBCS) in the Computational understanding of Cognition Symposium. pp. 1-43, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.5141.9368]

Leibovitz (2012) Modelling visual processing via emergence (CSBBCS) (Cover)Abstract: A model of low level visual processing is outlined along with a demonstration of the numerous phenomena it unifies. Specifically – filling in, visual memory, image stability, color homogeneity, blind spot, temporal edge detection, eye blink – phenomena that would ordinarily be investigated under different sub fields and with disparate models. The model is based on the interaction between recurrence and eye motion. The model is built using the Emergic Network system, which is a new cognitive modeling system created for this project and others like it. Emergic Networks facilitate the exploration of how recurrent and distributed functions produce functional emergent effects. I will present an overview of the Emergic Network System and the simulation results for each phenomena it models.

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Emergence of epistemic phenomena (poster)

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2012) Emergence of epistemic phenomena. Poster presented at the Institute of Cognitive Science Spring Conference (ICSSC) of Carleton University, pp. 1-12. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4649.3920] (PDF)

Leibovitz (2012) Emergence of Epistemic Phenomena (ICSSC Poster)Abstract: Q: Are you using the correct level of analysis?

We claim that for the unique requirements of cognition

  1. There is only one micro level of ontology, realization and causal explanation (the systems level)
    1. It is process oriented
    2. It can causally explain all higher level behaviours and phenomena
  2. There are no higher levels of causal explanation
    1. Causality flows among actual ontological parts, not to or from epistemic abstractions Under the standard macro level approach, we further claim that
  3. There are no macro level stimuli, measurements and phenomena – they are epistemic illusions
    1. Merely arbitrary and uninformed patterns of micro-level inputs or outputs between an experimental paradigm and a non-representational cognitive agent

Our claims originate from our unified process model of visual filling-in. We noticed that while the model explains all the phenomena, none of them actually existed. The epistemic phenomena arise from oversimplified and implicit folk-theories. Epistemic phenomena emerge from lack of knowledge, from lack of a Systems level theory.

We show the results – the visual demonstration for a variety of “phenomena”. Your task:

Show me the macro level stimuli, measurement or phenomena!

It is only by getting rid of the macro level of analysis that one can hope to uncover a (micro) systems level and begin to causally unify explanations for cognition.

Links:

 

Cognitive Re-Use via Emergic Networks (poster)

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Leibovitz, D. P., & West, R. L. (2012) Cognitive Re-Use via Emergic Networks. Poster presented at the 11th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2012), Berlin, Germany. pp. 1-12. [doi: 10.1037/e557232013-001 (PsychEXTRA); 10.13140/RG.2.1.4218.2884 (content)]

Leibovitz & West (2012) Cognitive Re-Use via Emergic Networks (ICCM Poster)Abstract: In this poster we introduce a new cognitive modeling system called Emergic Networks. The Emergic Network system is designed to facilitate functional, nonlinear decomposition with the aim of understanding how different neural systems can interact to produce specific instances of cognitive functionality. The first part of the paper briefly describes the motivation for the system and the second part briefly describes the system and provides a web location for downloading.

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Cognitive Re-Use via Emergic Networks

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Leibovitz, D. P., & West, R. L. (2012) Cognitive Re-Use via Emergic Networks. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2012) (pp. 72-73). Berlin, Germany. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3562.9282 (paper);10.1037/e557102013-021 (PsycEXTRA)] (pdf)

Leibovitz & West (2012) Cognitive Re-Use via Emergic Networks (ICCM Poster)Abstract: In this paper we introduce a new cognitive modeling system called Emergic Networks. The Emergic Network system is designed to facilitate functional, nonlinear decomposition with the aim of understanding how different neural systems can interact to produce specific instances of cognitive functionality. The first part of the paper briefly describes the motivation for the system and the second part briefly describes the system and provides a web location for downloading.

Emergic Network ExampleLinks:

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Emergence in the Mind’s Eye (talk)

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2011) Emergence in the Mind’s Eye. Talk presented for the ICS Colloquium series at Carleton University, pp. 1-46, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1842.6088]

Leibovitz (2011) Emergence in the Mind's EyeAbstract: A cognitive model of visual processing will be presented. Two cognitive functions will interact to produce many visual phenomena in the mind’s eye. Then again, emergence itself is an illusion…

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Emergic Network

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2011) Emergic Network. Published as open sourced code. Retrieved September 7, 2015 from http://emergic.upwize.com/?page_id=6.

Leibovitz, D. P.. (2016) Emergic. Published as open sourced code. Retrieved November 15, 2016 from http://pypi.python.org/pypi/Emergic.

Leibovitz, D. P.. (2016) Emergic. Published as open sourced code. Retrieved November 15, 2016 from http://github.com/dpleibovitz/Emergic.

Abstract: Here you can find tEmergic Network Examplehe software to run an Emergic Network (EN). Installation instructions are also included.

Related Publications:

Leibovitz, D. P. (2013). A Unified Cognitive Model of Visual Filling-In Based on an Emergic Network Architecture (Doctoral dissertation). Carleton University. Retrieved from http://dpleibovitz.upwize.com/?p=189.

Leibovitz, D. P., & West, R. L. (2012) (Extended 2 page abstract). Cognitive Re-Use via Emergic Networks. 11th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2012) (pp. 72-73). Berlin, Germany.

Leibovitz, D. P., & West, R. L. (2012). Cognitive Re-Use via Emergic Networks. 11th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2012). Berlin, Germany. Poster Presentation.

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Local Measure Reliability vs. Global Concept Validity. Has Cognitive Science Moved Beyond Behaviourism? (Insignificant Progress in Validating Cognitive Constructs p<.05)

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2011) Local Measure Reliability vs. Global Concept Validity. Has Cognitive Science Moved Beyond Behaviourism? (Insignificant Progress in Validating Cognitive Constructs p<.05). Poster presented at the Institute of Cognitive Science Spring Conference (ICSSC) of Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2792.8801]

Zero Progress in CognitionAbstract: Every cognitive experiment contributes to the factual accumulation of raw, stimulus-response behavioural  data. The raw data are factual/indisputable in that 95+% scientists understand and can reproduce the operationalized procedure and measures despite validity and interpretation concerns. Nevertheless, there has been zero factual accumulation of cognitive constructs and interpretations as there is no 95+% agreement nor comprehension in the sea of hypotheticals. Indeed, the signal to noise ratio worsens (entropy increases) with every experiment as new micro-theories are created, rather than a scientific reduction (convergence) to unity.

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Vision, Spiders & Time (talk)

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2011) Vision, Spiders & Time. Talk presented at Carleton University, pp. 1-34, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4201.9047]

Abstract: How is vision perception related to imagination and planning? What is the role of attention (saccades)? Can smart spiders shed light on human cognition?

  • They have severe engineering restrictions
  • They take a long time to think
  • How does that affect cognition
I will relate spider time to practical matters. Hopefully, you will also come to appreciate spiders as well :).
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Philosophy Behind the Cognitive Modelling of Virtual Eyeballs (talk)

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2011) Philosophy Behind the Cognitive Modelling of Virtual Eyeballs. Talk presented at Carleton University, pp. 1-50, Ottawa, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4103.6003]

Abstract: David will demonstrate a virtual eyeball intended to model the Lilac Chaser illusion. In particular, he will talk about the philosophy behind his Emergic Approach to cognitive modelling. Topics may include:

  1. Cutting Nature at her Joints – What kind of Butcher do you want to be?
  2. Tri-Level hypothesis does more harm than good (Marr vs. Simon)
  3. What is a function, computation, behaviour or phenomena?
  4. Unification as constraining the 20 Questions posed to Mother Nature
  5. Emergence
  6. Top-Down Design vs. Bottom-Up Re-engineering

Emergic Approach LogoDavid’s intent is to demonstrate that philosophic considerations can positively influence theory construction. We are all influenced by philosophy – do we want to take charge of our path?

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Emergic Approach: Philosophy Applied to Cognition (talk)

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2010) Emergic Approach: Philosophy Applied to Cognition. Talk presented to Complex Adaptive Systems Group at Carleton University, pp. 1-36, Ottawa, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1613.2329] (pdf)

Abstract: Leibovitz (2010) Emergic Approach- Philosophy Applied to CognitionPrologue, Research Problems, Answers, Philosophy & Metaphors, Hypotheses, Solution: Emergic Approach, Lilac Chaser Illusion, Lilac Chaser Model, Discussion.

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Changeons & Predictons

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2010) Changeons & Predictons. Talk presented to the Complex Adaptive Systems Group at Carleton University, pp. 1-7, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3972.5281]

Abstract: Taylor Series expansion leads to Newton’s Method of Divided Differences used in Babbage’s Difference Engine. However, errors accumulate beyond region of expansion. My recurrence relation does not have this problem.

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Lilac Chaser Illusion and Virtual Eyeballs (talk)

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2010) Lilac Chaser Illusion and Virtual Eyeballs. Talk presented at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2268.5923]

Lilac-ChaserAbstract: David Leibovitz will give a live demo of his research-in-progress and discuss the nature of his research and future plans. David will demonstrate a framework, whereby a Virtual Eye is looking at the Lilac Chaser visual illusion. Currently, the implementation has a minimal cognitive component, a set of photoreceptors for the fovea, and saccadic jitter for the eye.

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Emergic Memories: A Model of Emergent Properties

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2009) Emergic Memories: A Model of Emergent Properties. Poster presented at the Cognitive Science Spring Conference of Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3005.8722]

Leibovitz (2009) Emergic Memories- A Model of Emergent PropertiesAbstract:

  • In physics, there is no mystery behind emergence (Crane 2001). Explanatory bridges between levels of analysis are mostly complete. Emergence is considered as “weak” and the a-priori unpredictability of these bridges is considered an epistemological problem – not ontological. It is noteworthy that the current analytical toolset of physics is based on behaviours and continuous change – a process metaphysics (PM).
  • In cognition, their are no accepted bridges between the mental and physical divide and “strong” ontological versions of emergence remain viable. Without empirical support, rational thought has produced a proliferating plethora of possible flavours and sources of emergence. It is noteworthy that the analytical tradition of cognition is based on static  substances with properties  – a substance metaphysics (SM).
  • Purpose of the Emergic Memory Model
    • Ground debate in simple (yet empirically real) parts, wholes & relations
    • Basis for comparison and discussion among competing hypotheses
    • Generate new insights and hypothesis
      • Emergence is due to epistemological incompleteness and objectification errors
    • Based on change, yet has substance-like properties
      • A substance/process metaphysics hybrid
      • The locus of emergic debate?

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Metaphysics

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2009) Metaphysics. Lecture given to the “FYSM 1400: Cognition: A Scientific Exploration of the Mind” class. Carleton University, pp. 1-2, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2391.8563] (pdf)

Abstract: Introduces the importance of metaphysics (and philosophy) to cognitive science.

Documents:

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Cognition Requires Philosophy: Towards Unity (talk)

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2009) Cognition Requires Philosophy: Towards Unity. Talk presented at Carleton University, pp. 1-73, Ottawa, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2989.4889]

Leibovitz (2009) Cognition Requires PhilosophyAbstract: Even within the interdisciplinary field of Cognitive Science, philosophy is often ignored by non-philosophers. David will argue that in order for cognitive science to advance towards a united view of the mind, philosophy must be taken more seriously. However, philosophy too must work towards unity and a language of discourse more accessible to non-philosophers. David will discuss the relation between Philosophy and Science and how the special needs of Cognition are not being met.

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Plants, Cognition, Time (& Philosophy)

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2008) Plants, Cognition, Time (& Philosophy). Talk presented at Carleton University, pp. 1-28, Ottawa, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2470.3209]

Abstract: When plants are viewed under various time and spatial scales, their behaviour can appear quite intelligent. This presentation simply aims at questioning some of the basic terminology used by Philosophers of Mind, and Cognitive Scientists. The goal of the presentation is not to answer the following questions, but to stimulate discussion and reflection.

What do we mean by all the aforementioned terms, and how do we clarify them so that plants are once again relegated to simple stimulus-response systems?

The parting thought is in showing that a trivial stimulus-response system is Turing Complete, so perhaps pointing to individual plant processes and showing that each one alone is a stimulus-response portion might miss the overall system-wide intelligence…

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Emergic Network (EN)

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Emergic Network ExampleThe Emergic Network (or EN) is an “artificial neural” network architecture that abandons traditional neural oversimplifications and facilitates an Emergic Approach to design that harnesses emergence by explicitly encoding the interactions among multiple flows of information.

Leibovitz (2012) Modelling visual processing via emergence (CSBBCS)Note: that while an Emergic Network unit can correspond to an actual neuron, the Emergic Network is not a network of neurons, and each unit can correspond to an arbitrary domain of analysis, as low as quantum mechanics if desired, up to social groupings. That is why “neural” is in quotes. Indeed a single unit is Turing complete and could simulate an entire artificial neural network.

The Emergic Network architecture, is described and housed within Wikimergic.

Related Publications:

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Emergic Cognitive System

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Emergic Cognitive SystemThe Emergic Cognitive System (or ECS) is a system for embodying  a developmental cognitive model in a virtual and dynamic agent that is situated in a dynamic environment using simulated real-time for non-representational information processing. This allows a zero parameter model to be tested with a wide variety of experimental paradigms covering a large contextual domain.

Historical Names: Emergic Simulation System (ESS); Emergic Vision System (EVS)

Publications:

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Language

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2007) Language. Lecture given to the “PSYC 2700D: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology” class. Carleton University, pp. 1-29, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3079.9847] (pdf)

Abstract: Leibovitz (2007) LanguageIntroduces language from a cognitive science perspective.

Documents:

  • pdf (7.51 MB)

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Word Length Effect (In Serial Recall)

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Leibovitz, D. P. (2007) Word Length Effect (In Serial Recall). Lecture given to the “PSYC 2700D: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology” class. Carleton University, pp. 1-39, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4325.1688] (pdf)

Abstract: IntrLeibovitz (2007) PSYC 2700 Word Length Effect (In Serial Recall)oduces the experimental paradigm in cognitive psychology.

Documents:

  • pdf (2.36 MB)

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Emergic Approach for Unifying Science

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Emergic Approach LogoThe Emergic Approach (or EA) is a unifying methodology (and discipline) for progressing science based on the mathematical foundation of open-form thinking. Besides formal proof, the ability to unify disparate phenomena within a computational model is demonstrated by the Emergic Cognitive Model that was completely based on the Emergic Approach, while simultaneously enriching it.

A complex version of open-form thinking has successful hardened physics. However, the soft sciences (and philosophy) are replete with closed-form thoughts that in totality present an almost insurmountable barrier to change. Next to this fortress of cards, open-form thinking appears as a farfetched and irrelevant “philosophy” rather than as the standard approach. While it may be philosophizing, it is less for philosophers, and more for theoretical scientists in the soft sciences (especially cognitive science) interested in synthesis.

History:

From 2007 – present, David Pierre Leibovitz developed a unified epistemology, ontology & metaphysics for the analysis, decomposition, synthesis and modeling of complex systems. The empirical philosophizing behind this Emergic Approach (or EA) to unified cognitive modeling is validated by developing a unified cognitive model  – the Emergic Cognitive Model (ECM). This research was initially developed at Carleton University.

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Emergic Cognitive Model

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Emergic Cognitive Model

The Emergic Cognitive Model (or ECM) is a unifying cognitive model that develops genetically, i.e., based on development parameters or modeling DNA. ECM advances a single powerful theory of human cognition for explaining a variety of emergent phenomena described across experimental paradigms and academic disciplines

The unifying model has no free parameters, and its emergent behavior is commensurate with expectations in its developmental differences, as well as its interactions across a variety of environments, stimuli and situations.

Unifying modeling is guided by the principles of the Emergic Approach for progressing science. Thus, ECM is based on the Emergic Network (a computational architecture), is embodied and developed within virtual agents (persons), and situated within environments (worlds) of an Emergic Cognitive System, for non-representational real-time information processing.

Jittering retina of the Emergic Cognitive Model

Currently, the Emergic Cognitive Model supports low-level aspects of dynamic visual processing. It has a biological realistic retina (with a blind spot, a random placement of photoreceptors that grow in size beyond the fovea), and supports eye movement (including jitter) without motion blur, blinking, and object motion.

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External links