THE EMERGENT MIND

Trying to understand the human mind in the age of AI.

In their compelling book, San Francisco Bay Area scholars Suri and McClelland propose a view of the brain as a neural network, where thought emerges from physical interactions among neurons. They liken the mind to a flowing river—not located in any one part, but arising from a continuous stream of activity. While no single neuron “thinks,” the network’s dynamics give rise to mental life. The authors draw parallels to modern AI systems, where emergent properties stem from interactions in network elements. Blending psychology, computer science, and mathematics, Suri and McClelland present a rich but accessible explanation of how physical processes in the brain create the mind. Their activation-based view of behavior rejects explanations based on pleasure, pain, or preference. Instead, “our thoughts are patterns of activation over an ensemble of neurons in our brains.” They favor a “connectionist” model over the symbolic processing view still popular in some areas of AI. Through diagrams, analogies, and imagined Socratic dialogues between historical and fictional figures, the book examines complex questions with clarity and creativity. While they believe intelligence can emerge in both biological and artificial systems, there’s no immediate cause to worry about our futures—the authors argue that human brains still remain more flexible, adaptable, and efficient. Though AI systems are growing increasingly complex and sophisticated, they remind us that a mystery remains in how human minds truly work. Rich in insight and imagination, this is a fascinating read and a guide for deeper exploration of how researchers approach understanding human brains and designing AI systems.

A fresh and philosophical look at thinking itself, and an invitation to rethink what the mind is.