So says Henry Markram, who is leading the Blue Brain Project. He spoke this week at the latest TED Conference.
Markram, for the first time, shares how he is addressing one theory of how the brain works. The theory is that the brain “builds” a version of the universe and projects this version, like a bubble, all around us. But Markram says we can directly address this philosophical question with science. Anesthetics don’t work by blocking receptors. They introduce a noise into the brain to confuse the neurons to prevent you from making “decisions.” You must make decisions to perceive anything. 99% of what you see in a room is not what comes in through the eyes — it’s what you infer about that room.
If this actually can be achieved, it will be possible to research brain behavior on an artificial construct and the breakthroughs could be huge.