One of my new favourite TV shows is BBC4’s It’s Only A Theory, where experts chat about their (often surprising) theories. Presenters Andy Hamilton and Reginald D Hunter, along with a weekly guest, review the theory with a good mix of comedy and honest discussion. It’s a bit like Dave Gorman’s Genius, but with genuine theories, and a bit less silliness. Watching it last night got me thinking about a theory I’d take to the panel (if I were an expert in something – which I’m not)…

The Brain is Not a Computer

I actually think the brain is a computer, if you define “computer” quite broadly as an information processing machine. And if you define “information”, “processing” and “machine” quite broadly too. What I’m actually saying it that the metaphor of the brain being like a desktop computer isn’t a very good one. (more…)

I’ve got a theory about gravity, not just a theory, an explanation for how gravity works. I can tell you, dear reader, exactly why bodies of mass are drawn together. My theory is clear, simple and above all correct. I know this because I have proven it. The proof is all around, as clear as sky. Allow me to explain… (more…)

I started my MSc in Intelligent Systems last week, for our first assignment we were asked to write a little bit about a relevent field. We were asked to provide a history of the subject and to talk about the current applications of the technology. I chose to write about passive dynamic robotics.  I’ve included it here – because I can.

Here ’tis…

Passive dynamics is a form of locomotion where the mechanics of the device allow it to be driven forward from it’s own inertia, with minimal energy input. Formally, passive dynamics was described by McGeer (1990), but it is inspired by gravity powered toys dating back to the 1800’s (Fallis 1888). These early bipedal toys were able to walk down gentle inclines, with no energy input other than the gravitational force. The mechanics of these designs caused the toy to rock laterally from side to side, allowing one foot to swing in front of the other, producing a forward walking motion.

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It is not my intention in this post to convince ‘non-believers’ that evolution is the explanation for the diversity of life on earth, nor to threaten any different beliefs that you may hold. Lets put all that aside for a bit and talk about the logic of evolution. That is to say, lets talk about evolution as a process in it’s own right, distinct from the biology (aside from a few illustrating examples) and independent of the fossil and biochemical evidence that supports it.

Why do this you may ask? Well, I’ve come to realise that there is little point attempting to get anyone to abandon their belief system for the sake of (what appears to them to be) a minor intellectualist point. And anyway, I don’t want to be that guy. If your god makes you happy, and your not hurting anyone, I’ve got no issue there. I can, however, appeal to every bit of human reason and logic that you have to demonstrate to you that belief in evolution is not ‘the same’ as belief in divine creation. Evolution is a rational, logical process, not a superstition.

So, here goes…

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