Includes bibliographical references (pages 283-319) and index.

Thought experiments on the world -- Thought experiments on thinking -- A model of the neocortex : the pattern recognition theory of mind -- The biological neocortex -- The old brain -- Transcendent abilities -- The biologically inspired digital neocortex -- The mind as computer -- Thought experiments on the mind -- The law of accelerating returns applied to the brain -- Objections.

This book presents a provocative exploration of the most important project in human-machine civilization: reverse-engineering the brain to understand precisely how it works and using that knowledge to create even more intelligent machines. Kursweil discusses how the brain functions, how the mind emerges, brain computer interfaces, and the implications of vastly increasing the powers of our intelligence to address the world's problems.

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