MAS962: Meaning Machines

Instructor: Professor Deb Roy
Thursdays 2-4 PM, E15-468H
Credits: 3-0-6 (H)

Computers don't grasp communicative meaning in any deep, human sense. From a computer's
point of view, words are simply bits of information processed with speed and precision, but
devoid of genuine content. Meaningful interpretation is left to humans. The absence of
meaning in computers is not limited to the domain of words -- it is a widespread
limitation of current computing systems. In this seminar we will consider basic
questions about the nature of language and communication from a computational
standpoint with the goal of designing new kinds of communication systems, and
shedding light on human cognitive processes underlying
situated communication.

We will examine aspects of knowledge representation
and language use by machines and humans. Emphasis will be placed on
interactions between physically grounded information structures and functional
behavior that provide the foundation for meaningful language use. Ideas from semiotics,
philosophy of mind (*), and cognitive psycholog will be brought together with methods
from computer science and systems engineering. A final project requiring implementation
of a situated communication system will provide hands-on experience with ideas discussed in class.