On Symbolic Systems, feat. Prof. Mike Frank | Traces, Appendix 21

A conversation with Prof. Mike Frank about Symbolic Systems, the connectedness between things, language learning, the limits of logic, and more.

Find me at [email protected]

About the Guest:
  Michael C. Frank is Benjamin Scott Crocker Professor of Human Biology in the Department of Psychology at Stanford University and Director of the Symbolic Systems Program. He received his PhD from MIT in Brain and Cognitive Sciences in 2010. He studies children's language learning and development, with a focus on the use of large-scale datasets to understand the variability and consistency of learning across cultures. He is a founder of the ManyBabies Consortium, and has led open-data projects including Wordbank and the ongoing LEVANTE project. He has received awards including the Troland Award from the National Academy of Sciences and the FABBS Early Career Impact award. He served as President of the Cognitive Science Society, has edited for journals including Cognition and Child Development, and is current co-Editor in Chief of the Open Encyclopedia of Cognitive Science.

References:
  - Douglas Hofstadter's Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid (book): https://amzn.to/3TYPbAS

Set Up:
  - Camera: https://amzn.to/3PZVscb (don't laugh)
  - Microphone: https://amzn.to/46f3pB5
  - Teleprompter Stand: https://amzn.to/3tgS98y
  - Telepromter App: https://amzn.to/46jdH31
  - Teleprompter Screen:  https://amzn.to/3PNfKFI (yup)
  - Headphones: https://amzn.to/46gMSwo

Timestamps:
  00:16 Introduction and Guest Background
  01:08 Exploring Symbolic Systems
  01:48 Guest's Journey into Symbolic Systems
  04:00 The Role of Symbolic Systems in Society
  04:33 Balancing Interests in Symbolic Systems
  05:30 The Evolution of Symbolic Systems
  06:13 The Role of Language in Symbolic Systems
  08:10 Defining Symbolic Systems
  12:00 The Impact of Symbolic Systems on Careers
  14:26 The Culture of Symbolic Systems
  17:49 The Beauty of Ideas in Symbolic Systems
  23:25 Comparing Child Language Learning and AI Learning
  26:46 Exploring the Complexity of Simulated Evolutionary Training
  27:50 Challenges and Strengths of Leading an AI Program
  28:14 Maintaining Cohesion and Community in a Growing Program
  29:23 The Importance of Connectedness in Education
  32:39 The Role of Research in Undergraduate and Master's Programs
  35:47 The Potential for a Graduate Degree in Symbolic Systems
  39:49 The Challenges of Managing Multiple Roles in Academia
  41:42 The Excitement of New Research Projects
  44:17 The Importance of Open Science and Data Sharing
  46:40 The Promise of the Open Encyclopedia Project
  51:51 Final Thoughts: Finding Connectedness in Deep Commitment