So how does this square with Algernon’s Law? (That any simple change that enhances intelligence must be a net evolutionary disadvantage.)
For example, if the treatment makes it easier for a neuron to fire, it also increases the chances of a neuron firing when it’s not “supposed” to (because of random noise or whatever).
Evolution hasn’t really caught on to the fact that calories are really easy to obtain now, so there’s probably some low-hanging fruit available by subverting the brain’s energy-conserving mechanisms. (I don’t know whether TDCS is doing that.)
Evolution hasn’t really caught on to the fact that calories are really easy to obtain now, so there’s probably some low-hanging fruit available by subverting the brain’s energy-conserving mechanisms.
I’m not convinced that Algernon’s Law is true in general. It might apply to improving intelligence above the currently available range, but it shouldn’t apply to raising intelligence within the existing range.
So how does this square with Algernon’s Law? (That any simple change that enhances intelligence must be a net evolutionary disadvantage.)
For example, if the treatment makes it easier for a neuron to fire, it also increases the chances of a neuron firing when it’s not “supposed” to (because of random noise or whatever).
Evolution hasn’t really caught on to the fact that calories are really easy to obtain now, so there’s probably some low-hanging fruit available by subverting the brain’s energy-conserving mechanisms. (I don’t know whether TDCS is doing that.)
Related.
Also a macroscopic electric field might not be “simple” for evolution.
The usual explanations for tDCS relating to the NMDA receptors would be simple for evolution, though.
Interesting. Where have you seen that explanation?
The 2012 Clark paper on tDCS doubling learning to detect concealed snipers/bombs/objects.
I’m not convinced that Algernon’s Law is true in general. It might apply to improving intelligence above the currently available range, but it shouldn’t apply to raising intelligence within the existing range.