Epistemic Computation and Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

AI research is continually challenged to explain cognitive processes as being computational. Whereas existing notions of computing seem to have their limits for it, we contend that the recent, epistemic approach to computations may hold the key to understanding cognition from this perspective. In this approach, computations are seen as processes generating knowledge over a suitable knowledge domain, within the framework of a suitable knowledge theory. This, machine-independent, understanding of computation allows us to explain a variety of higher cognitive functions such as accountability, self-awareness, introspection, free will, creativity, anticipation and curiosity in computational terms. It also opens the way to understanding the self-improving mechanisms behind the development of intelligence. The argumentation does not depend on any technological analogies.