All of jpyykko's Comments + Replies

If I understood correctly, babies cannot focus their eyes properly for the first two months, and this may indicate they are learning some universal 3D-spatial models into their heads, as a prerequisite for many of the other instincts they have as later developmental windows. So there has to be some thread of signals that string this system to the later affects/instincts, such as the fear of heights. 

It is also funny to relate the ability of many ungulate babies ability to walk immediately on birth, meaning there has to be some seriously robust set of ... (read more)

I'll have to read this one too, thanks.

There's one issue that I don't have an answer yet: how would the visual system detect "height"? 
Could we presume there is a spatial engine that needs to be taught first, and then linked to this phobia?

Or would it make sense to have a straight link to a spatial predictive system instead, and if the system would predict that there's some uncertainty in if the agent suddenly needs more space to maneuver, and then that space is instead occupied with a void? At least *I* cannot look up when the fear of heights triggers, and get a sudden sensation of vertigo: I need to know where the closest brace-point is when I know falling might be imminent.

It fits perfectly, thanks! 
Yes, there's a bunch of other mechanisms/phenomena, such as 
- the developmental windows for learning speech and language,
- the spectrum of reactions to distress (anger, fear, etc.),
- the palmar grasp reflex. 
Basically I'm interested in all biological mechanisms that control our learning, not just affects, and even if they seem irrelevant for AI purposes. As can be seen from Kaj's post there, the way to get these systems to work might be nonintuitive, so every little hint will help in the end.

I think another post might be in order to fully explore the list of all of these biological mechanisms at some point, maybe as a pitstop before going into the full deal.