Seminar: Dr Anders Sandberg, "Whole Brain Emulation: Feasibility, Timescales and Key Challenges"

Past Event

Date
 28 January 2009, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Location
 Lecture Theatre, Oxford Martin School
34 Broad Street (corner of Holywell and Catte Streets), Oxford, OX1 3BD

Dr Anders Sandberg, Future of Humanity Institute, University of Oxford

Abstract: The idea of copying the workings of a (human) brain into a corresponding computer program has a long history as a science fiction scenario or philosophical thought experiment. However, advances in neuroscience, computational biology, imaging and computer technology are making ever larger and more complete simulations feasible. While whole brain emulation is clearly a very ambitious and remote research goal, it represents a well-defined challenge, making it possible to analyse feasibility and possibly even timescales. This talk will examine what we currently know about the major challenges in achieving whole brain emulation, as well as some of the ethical implications of very large brain simulations.