My BIG Toe: Learning & memory

The ability to store information and learn, the possession of a bright and more aware brain, the formation of genetic group memory, and enhanced sensory organs.

Individual Learning
What enables an entity to learn?
1. The ability to store information, the ability to remember. The larger the better.
2. High bandwidth input-output (I/O) (interaction between the processor & the external environment)
3. Short processor cycle times. Shorter the better.
4. Short memory input and access times (ability to input & retrieve data quickly). Shorter the better.




Learning by the fundamental process and storing results: An entity can learn lessons through the evolutionary process of exploring possibilities and retaining the results. Learned information can be
- stored in physical structures (e.g. DNA, books)
- transferred to future generations through reproduction or communication

How can theoretical potential for exceptional brightness become actual brightness? A brain/digital computer gain must first generate a rich set of uniquely profitable possibilities to support the development of high mental function. This can be done if:
1. The environments are sufficiently complex. Complex environments contain multiple possibilities for entities to move.
2. Connections to the environments are sufficiently high bandwidth. High performing data input-output systems should connect the brain to its internal and external data-source environments.
3. The brain has high performing purpose-goal-intent-action-result feedback systems.


What's the point of a brighter brain? The entity can better collect and, more importantly, utilize data to make progress.

Developing a group memory
Systems learn and progress. Biological systems learn profitable strategies and technologies for surviving and thriving, being and relating. The strategies and technologies are "developed, internalized, and 'remembered' (retained by biological modification)." Later generations reinforce changes (remember them and put them to use) if they find them profitable. In this way a biological or genetic group memory develops--"a sort of hardwired cultural belief system." Information is "transferred" by heredity.

Learning by sensory experience
Learned information can also be "transferred" by exchanging the information by communication via sensory inputs and outputs. The information will be learned if and how the sensory experience is
1. Sensed. A more complex lifeform has varied and specialized "organs" of awareness. Mammals, e.g., have developed sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste organs. More specialization amounts to increased breadth and depth of sensory input
2. Remembered. The experience must interact with memory--must be stored. More specialized sensory organs amount to more efficient storage, retrieval, and use of the the information.

What's the point of greater sensibility and recollection of sensory experience? Problem-solving: To be better able to describe, evaluate, and select possible action-reaction sequences; to solve problems, improve its situation, and increase its immediate profitability.