Can we introduce emotion into the computer? David Gelernter, one of the leading lights in artificial intelligence today, begins The Muse in the Machine with this provocative question. In providing an answer, he not only points to a future revolution in computers but radically changes our views of the human mind itself.Although much emphasis is placed on the role of logic in thinking, Gelernter explains that emotions are much more important in determining the form and content of much of our daily thought processes. He shows how emotions shape our creativity, and the role they play in giving rise to altered states of consciousness.Analyzing recent psychological research and ancient literary texts, Gelernter also makes a provocative and persuasive case for the similarity in the thinking of children and that of ancient peoples. Both, he argues, exhibit thinking patterns that are somewhat dreamlike, that rely heavily on metaphor and that are not logic bound. This style of thinking, Gelernter maintains, is much richer and more valuable than we assume, and he dramatically demonstrates how it can serve as a powerful guide in creating revolutionary new artificial intelligence systems. Drawing on his pathbreaking work as a software developer, Gelernter introduces for the first time a model of emotion into the computer and explains the enormous ramifications this model holds for future applications.Bringing together insights from computer science, cognitive psychology, philosophy of mind, and literary theory, David Gelernter presents what is sure to be a much debated view of how humans have thought, how we think today, and how computers will learn to think in the future.In the tradition of Penrose's The Emperor's New Mind and Consciousness Explained by Denett, The Muse in the Machine will be of interest to all those seeking a deeper understanding of human cognition. It will also be indispensable reading for all those concerned with the future of the computer. Read Less