The brain's neural computations are highly distributed, and this distributed nature may inform the potential for artificial networks to perform mathematics and science, as well as the question of machine consciousness.
Abstract
We describe briefly the recent advances in understanding the distributed nature of computations in the (neural) network structure of the brain. We discuss if such artificial networks will be able to perform mathematics and natural sciences. The problem of consciousness in such machines is addressed. Ancient Indian ideas regarding mind-body relations and J. C. Bose's experimental observations regarding the highly distributed computations in the plant body is discussed.