The IDA model of cognition is a fully integrated artificial cognitive system reaching across the full spectrum of cognition, from low-level perception/action to high-level reasoning. Extensively based on empirical data, it accurately reflects the full range of cognitive processes found in natural cognitive systems. As a source of plausible explanations for very many cognitive processes, the IDA model provides an ideal tool to think with about how minds work. 

This online tutorial offers a reasonably full account of the IDA conceptual model, including background material. It also provides a high-level account of the underlying computational “mechanisms of mind” that constitute the IDA computational model.

Our plans are to implement this online tutorial in three phases. The content of Phase 1, the one you’re looking at, consists essentially of PowerPoint presentations prepared by Stan Franklin for a class on How Minds Work during Spring 2005. In Phase 2, currently being worked on, digital audio of Stan’s lectures is to be included and calibrated with the PowerPoint presentation. A more ambitious and much later Phase 3 will expand each PowerPoint slide into, perhaps, several derived slides with additional text, graphics, animation and audio. This current version of Phase 1 may be difficult to follow due to the quite succinct cues to ideas typical of a PowerPoint presentation. A more fleshed out tutorial will have to await Phases 2 and 3.