GUTs or no GUTs (Grand Unified Theories): Does/Can/Should Cognitive Engineering have G.U.T.s?

Abstract

What are the GUTs of Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE)? G.U.T. is an abbreviation for Grand Unified Theory. As Cognitive Science matured, Allen Newell proposed a unifying model of cognition expressed as a software architecture SOAR. Similarly, John Anderson developed ACTR also claiming it represented a unified theory of cognition in the form of a computer simulation. Both of these cognitive architectures are computer programs that claim to simulate or be the basis for creating simulations of how people perform and learn cognitive tasks. Taking the development of Cognitive Science as a possible analogy for the potential development of Cognitive Systems Engineering, this panel discussion provides a platform to stimulate a vigorous exchange of ideas about the foundation of and potential futures of CSE.

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