On Questions of Predictability and Control of an Intelligent System Using Probabilistic State-Transitions

Abstract: One of the central aims of neuroscience is to reliably predict the behavioral response of an organism using its neural activity. If possible, this implies we can causally manipulate the neural response and design brain-computer-interface systems to alter behavior, and vice-versa. Hence, predictions play an important role in both fundamental neuroscience and its applications. Can we predict the neural and behavioral states of an organism at any given time? Can we predict behavioral states using neural states, and vice-versa, and is there a memory-component required to reliably predict such states? Are the predictions computable within a given timescale to meaningfully stimulate and make the system reach the desired states? Through a series of mathematical treatments, such conjectures and questions are discussed. Answering them might be key for future developments in understanding intelligence and designing brain-computer-interfaces.