Unsupervised and on-line learning has to be figured out first (perhaps by finally abandoning backprop methods, perhaps by finding some hybrid approaches); after

Unsupervised and on-line learning has to be figured out first (perhaps by finally abandoning backprop methods, perhaps by finding some hybrid approaches); after that, I look forward to seeing veritable reinforcement learning and creature-like intelligences take shape. I've always been fascinated by how little is needed in terms of feedback loops in order for something to appear alive, I could say almost soul-like. The image in my mind is always that of -- and I'd like to give a better example -- the heat-seaking homing missile. I'm surprised Hofstadter, who is all about self-referential loopiness does not appreciate this, because I strongly agree with him in a belief that self-reference is the essence of much mystery. Then again, I never heard him passionately entertain chaos theory either, or psychedelics for that matter. I think Hofstadter has a very particular take on things (he calls himself a picky person). He can afford being obstinate because he is no doubt a free spirit and a brilliant guy, but it does make him appear dismissive sometimes.