The earliest definition is by McCulloch (1945) who examined cognitive structures in the brain, the collective organization of which he terms heterarchy. He demonstrates that the human brain is not organized hierarchically but adjusts to the…Milledge Nelson, S. (Ed.) (2006). Handbook of gender in archaeology. Lanham, MD: AltaMira Press.
Minsky, M., & Papert, S. (1972). Artificial intelligence progress report (AI Memo 252). Cambridge, MA: MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.…
Steven Mithen
scientist · 2 mentions across 1 reading
In this course
Steven Mithen is an archaeologist and cognitive scientist whose work on the prehistory of mind examines how human cognitive architecture evolved, particularly through the development of specialized versus integrated mental modules. His theories appear in the course readings to ground discussions of how cognition itself—whether in biological or artificial systems—emerges from organizational structures rather than top-down design, resonating with cybernetic concepts of self-organizing complexity. The citation suggests his archaeological evidence for cognitive evolution provides historical depth to contemporary debates about whether AI systems require modular or unified architectures.
Mentioned in 1 reading
Appears alongside
People mentioned in the same passages — sorted by co-occurrence weight.
Marvin Minsky 2Seymour Papert 2Carole L. Crumley 1David Stark 1Douglas Hofstadter 1Nicos Poulantzas Kontopolous 1Warren McCulloch 1Aliny M. Almeyda 1Elinor Ostrom 1Harini Nagendra 1James C. Scott 1Jane Southworth 1Nicos Mouzelis 1Reza G. Pourdavood 1Robert McC. Netting 1Stephen G. Perz 1Sut Jhally Nelson 1Thomas Piketty 1