Pattern recognition and rational thinking

[EdEarl]

The ability to recognize patterns seems to be one fundamental capability of neurons, neural nets, and brains; a second is remembering things. We remember original sensations and patterns that we have recognized. These two capabilities are Turing equivalent, except for infinite memory.

 

Pattern recognition is essentially recognizing correlations. Within the past couple of millennia we recognized correlations cannot always be trusted, and developed the scientific method to avoid falsely recognized patterns.

 

That people believe false patterns is understandable. Humanity thrived for a few hundred thousand years without the scientific method. That scientists think rational thinking is the best thing since mathematics is unimportant to billions. People with little or no understanding of science use the toys, tools and other things scientists and engineers have discovered and developed. No doubt, some who claim science is a false god use cell phones and airplanes.

 

I'd like to see elementary education teach children to think rationally, rather than teach only facts.