Assignment: Master's Thesis
First Reader: Jerry Samet
Second Reader: Tzofit Ofengenden
File: Edgecomb_Master's_Thesis.pdf
Description: This paper engages a controversy regarding the functional architecture of adaptive complex systems (e.g. minds, organisms). Specifically, I argue against the view that because of natural selection's need to make isolated adjustments to various functions over evolutionary time, adaptive complex systems are constrained to functional designs that are thoroughly modular in organization. I argue to the contrary that adaptive complex systems can implement integrated functional architectures and still remain evolutionarily robust, and I present hypotheses as to how this can be achieved.
Assignment: Term paper
Course: Consciousness, Brain, and Self
Professor: Tzofit Ofengenden
File: Edgecomb_Term_Paper_Gesturing_and_Cognition.pdf
Description: In this paper I defend the view that co-speech gestures are literal constituents of cognition against objections raised by Michael Wheeler.
Comments, questions, or other feedback is welcome.
Email: wedgecomb1@gmail.com