AI and other matters

I will be adding a few things related to AI and Machine Learning.

1. What and How of AI
2. AI and Working Economy
3. Mathematics, Philosophy, & AI (V.V.I.)

Sample Essay

Growing up in Bangladesh, I’ve always been of the notion that ‘research’ is only for the big scientists out there working for NASA. The fact that universities carry out research and are funded billions for it was not even in my realm of imagination. So, 18-year-old me was awestruck at the idea that I could write a research proposal myself. At the start, I actually had no idea where to begin. 

I’d recently been reading up on a lot of threads on Reddit relating to Artificial Intelligence as well as experiencing the wonders of AI firsthand through applications such as ‘Google Now’, ‘Cortana’, and ‘Google photos’ to name a few, my favorite being Google photos for its scarily accurate identification. I’d began by trying to collect enough material and research papers on the topics of Machine learning, Deep learning, Mathematics behind AI, along with the philosophical and cognitive aspects of AI. See, Artificial Intelligence is possibly the most open-ended topic out there right now, it is like a vast field ready for seeds to be sown and the benefits to be reaped eventually, some will come early on, some later. Eventually, I had to find someone more experienced than me to work with, bounce ideas off and maybe even help guide me in this vast open space, that’s where Tahsinur Rahman came in. I’d come across him in Nurture A.I.—Dhaka Chapter, a platform initiated to keep the AI community to stay updated with latest research, create and implement breakthroughs. 

Working with Tahsin, I’d begun development of my paper on “Machine Learning, Unsupervised Learning”. Beginning this process, I’d begun learning of how little I knew of the world of Artificial Intelligence. Even slightly scratching the surface, I’d learned how much more there is to Artificial Intelligence than just the Computer science side of it, than just the Mathematics of it. I was slowly coming into contact with the philosophical and cognitive aspects of AI, delving into books such as Gödel, Escher, Bach, Global Politics and Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason. Besides these, it was important to get to know more about what the leaders in the field of Artificial Intelligence were studying, and so came in the hundreds of research papers dealing with a range of things from the ethical issues of AI, the future of AI, Bayes’ Theorem, Boolean Algebra and even Ramanujan’s math, something critical to the future development of Machine Learning.

Rameesa’s revisit to Logophiles: After a semester at Lawrence University

First Report (Borno): She entered attired in a shimmery yellow-green salwar kameez; perhaps the same attire she wore in her university, adhered with an affection for the country she came from. Perchance the way she dressed personified her as a person – confident and adorable. She clearly loved being who she really was.

             She shared her part of the journey as she conversed. She is currently working on the Honey Bee Democracy, which is a mandatory text in freshman year irrespective of one’s major at Lawrence. The very day she stepped into the Logophiles class almost everyone she knew (except her mom) was against the notion that such tough route should have been taken. She emphasized the crucial importance of confidence in one’s self and not to stress out when working on any material. Such a strategy helped her to always pull ahead of letdowns. And – results never correspond with the fact that whether one will be accepted for admission or not – “Leave the results as it is, it’s not the end of the world if your grades are bad.” The one determinant that can make you stand distinguished is you “Research Papers”, she said. A technical research (can be more than one) paper will justify your devotion to science major, arts etc. and a General research paper will emphasize your linguistic ability. “Research paper is prime, it separates you from the others,” she confirmed.

            The vast reading materials the Logophiles students (Block 55/ August 2014, September 2014 and October 2015 reading materials) enabled the students to take strides through in a few months may sound excess but all of it yielded in usefulness to Ramisha. All the reading materials have always managed to leave a certain impact on her writing. It drastically increased her reading–speed and analyzing–skill, which are solely required to excel in finishing assignments in universities. She always had a constant communication with the ex-students of Logophiles, who helped her overcome certain fears to realize the bigger picture.

            “Sir, dance and music kore laabh kih?” was the first thing she said when sir stressed the importance of either an instrument or a type of cultural dance. “I do regret a lot not emphasizing more on music,” she said today. She is currently practicing music to take part in theatre at Lawrence. And the key is to NOT overwork, enjoying to work should be the only strategy.

Second Report (Siam): Ramisha Apu came for a visit from Lawrence University during her winter break and she brought along with her a book, The Pagoda Tree. Sir was absolutely delighted to see this book and let out a few joyful sighs. She spoke about things she had going on at Lawrence University. She had become an International Ambassador for Lawrence, planning extra-curricular cultural events involving dance and music and mentioned a book she had been working on – Honey Bee Democracy.

            Ramisha shared how the wide diverse discussions she had had in the Logophiles classes helped her in university as topics could be grasped more easily due to previous knowledge on them. She emphasized the critical importance of research papers, much more so than grades, as the research papers are what makes an application distinctive. The two different research papers highlights both the applicant’s linguistic and technical abilities. The importance of one’s own culture was discussed and how it allows one to stand from the monotonous crowds in university. As an example, she told us that a teacher she had never talked with before had wanted to speak with her. She stated that music plays an important role in Lawrence University and then sir went on to describe the flower that was in the video they had sent during the admissions and said he believes it had played an important role and must have had an impact on the admissions committee. Ramisha told us that being confident in yourself is important and said a very inspiring line – Even though I might fail, I will still do it.

            The conversation ended with the revelation that we had been a part of what is called a ‘forum theatre’: we constituted the audience, Ramisha Apu and sir as performers and the space as a stage.

Astronomy and Related Materials

I intend to link a few sites on Astronomy. For now, I am only putting up the link of

Bangladesh Astronomical Association

It is also to be noted that the Chief Executive Officer of the Association Mr. Mashur Ul Amin visited our class on last Thursday. We had a great many discussions which upon a few things that include - (1) the role of Classical Literature in improving our appreciation of Science; (2) the need for being dedicated once a student figures out her/his passion about a subject; (3) the importance of always getting into the company of like-minded people who shares a strong sense of intellectual inquiry. Mr. Mashur Ul Amin also mentioned how the reading of a few books have sealed his life-long passion for Astronomy. He particularly mentioned the following Books:

1.  চাঁদের পাহাড় - বিভূতিভুষন বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়
2. সমুদ্রের স্বাদ - জ্যাক লন্ডন (কবীর চৌধুরী-র অনুবাদ)
3. ওল্ড ম্যান এন্ড দ্যা ‍সি - আর্নেস্ট হেমিঙওয়ে (ফতেহ লোহানি-র অনুবাদ)

Day with Quantum Physics

Quantum Physics

Socialism in America

I intend to submit a couple of links related to socialism in America. For the first trial - I am adding the link to a Great and Wonderful book called Communism in America, which could serve as a companion volume to the Economic History of Soviet Union. I am adding the link to the the latter book as well.

The Roots of American Communism
The Rise and Fall of Soviet Economy

Reading Tasks Assignments

Everyone is required to work on the following reading materials. You are also being requested NOT to make any use of ONLINE materials so that your reading and writing keeps your original naivety. I chose the title "Reading Colonially" as photograph's title.

1. Borno - Red Earth (along with Shashi Rathor and Chankya's chant)
2. Shuvo - reading Sea of Poppies (available Online). Will also work on the unfinished research paper and Additional Info. PLEASE send me Crude Draft - never a refined draft.
3. Rafi - read "English August" alongside Colonial Administration
4. Nafia - take interview of Tomas Bünger and Kossi Sebastian Aholou-Wokawui
5. Cheryl - work on Pale Fire (should NOT access online materials on the Novel)
6. Rith - Master & Margatita + Fear of Mirror (will be finishing the latter while on Hliday)
7. Siam - Everything on Kant's Logic
8. Tahsin - work on In the Light of What we Know + McNamara Episode (Harvard Business Review. I have also give him a moderately big folder of articles and research papers on McNamara years in Washington. 
9. Since we are NOT meeting tomorrow, you are all requested to keep me informed of your reading issues and items.