CSAS 3085 - Robotics and the Mind

This course explores the relation between Catholic theological reflection and scientific evidence on the question of what it means to be human. Are humans and animals mechanistic biological machines? What does it mean to have a soul? Are body and soul separate or are they one? Can mind/soul emerge in autonomous non-biological machines? These questions will be addressed from several disciplines including biology, psychology, computer science, neuroscience, philosophy, and theology. The theoretical discussion will be enhanced by physically constructing a variety of robots that deploy algorithmic and heuristic solutions to problems and that interact with their environment and with others. Despite the complexity of animals and humans, some seemingly complex behaviors can emerge from simple mechanistic processes. Using robots to help distinguish between what can and cannot be readily explained by simple processes will help us better define who we are in this age of rapidly expanding scientific knowledge.

Prerequisites: MATH 1202 or MATH 1401 or MATH 1501

The course is cross-listed with PSYC 3698 AA and CORE 3490 AA (Engaging the World)

General Information

• Syllabus

Robot Lectures

• Download and Install Software
• 01: Introduction
• 02: Basic Programming
• 03: Variables and Functions
• 05: Constructing Diff Drive Robot
• 06: Programming DiffDrive Robot
   
• NXT/Java Manual

Robot Homework

• 06: extended sample programs
• 05: if/while code and if/while examples
• 03: review questions 2 (with answers)
• 02: Construction: differential drive robot
• 01: review questions 1

Robot Challanges

• 03: Avoid the wall
  • check this discussion
• 02: Drive in a 2D geometric pattern
• 01: Play a song (at least 4 notes)

Robot Teams:

1. Brittney Albrecht & Jennifer Lino
2. Jennifer Bie & David Guida
3. Mario De Clerico  &  Angelo Tigol
4. Jonathan Lambraia  &  Chelsea Torres
5. Kelsey Mahan &  Paige Gleason
6. Lauren McCaskill  &  Thomas Perry
7. Paulina Naslonski  &  Tara Wager
8. Keenan Oliver &  Shomari  Adams-Martinez
9. Kristen Ralston &  Dana Loughrey
10. Kimberly Schindler &  Rezina  Brutus-Foulkes
11. Diljeet Singh &  Kimberly Rubenstein
12. Shannon Tietchen  &  Aileen Nivar