AI Law - International Review of Artificial Intelligence LawCC BY-NC-SA Commercial Licence ISSN 3035-5451
G. Giappichelli Editore

08/05/2025 - Human Cognition vs Machine Intelligence: A Columbia Perspective (USA)

argument: Notizie/News - Ethics and Philosophy of Law

Source: Columbia Magazine

Columbia Magazine explores the growing intersection between neuroscience and artificial intelligence, focusing on how understanding the human brain helps refine the development of AI models. Written by David J. Craig, the article highlights the work of researchers from Columbia University, including biomedical engineering professor Elizabeth Hillman, who uses brain-imaging techniques to understand cognition and perception.

AI systems, especially neural networks, are modeled loosely after brain functions, but the article notes that machines still fall short of mimicking the complexity and adaptability of the human mind. Columbia’s work also explores how emotions, context, and memory influence decision-making—factors current AI systems struggle to replicate. The piece discusses the ethical and societal questions emerging from trying to create machines that simulate human reasoning. While AI may excel in computation and pattern recognition, the human brain remains superior in creativity, moral judgment, and emotional intelligence.