Jeff Yoshimi

The structure and dynamics of consciousness are closely related to the structure and dynamics of neural activity. I study this relationship using mathematical and computational models. This paper gives a sense of the project.

To study the behavior of neural networks (simulated brain circuits) in virtual environments, I created a computer program called Simbrain, which is open-source, visually-oriented, and free. Simbrain is currently being developed in collaboration with students and researchers at UC Merced. Check out www.simbrain.net.

Edmund Husserl developed a systematic philosophy of consciousness at the turn of the 20th century. I created and maintain a site, Husserl.net, which features a variety of interactive tools for Husserl scholars.

I developed another computer program in collaboration with Scott Hotton called HiSee. HiSee projects high-dimensional datasets to two dimensions so that they can be visualized. The datasets I focus on allow me to study the relationship between possible brain states and possible conscious states.

In the 1990s I helped create a set of "debate maps" that are avalable here. Since then debate-mapping research has been steadily advancing; I hope to return to this area in coming years.

If you're interested in philosophy events in the California Central Valley, check out the Central Valley Philosophy Association!