Daydreaming in Humans and Machines : A Computer Model of the Stream of Thought

This volume presents a computer model of human daydreaming to demonstrate how it is useful for creative problem solving and learning in both humans and computers.

The model is implemented as the running computer program "Daydreaming", which takes simple descriptions of external world events as input and produces descriptions of daydreams and actions as output.

The programme operates in the domain of interpersonal relations and common everyday occurrences.

New artificial intelligence techniques are introduced, including emotion-driven planning, serendipity-based planning/learning, and perpetual planning.

Psychological hypotheses are presented regarding day dreaming, the feedback relationship between emotions and daydreaming, and transfer in problem solving.

Previous related work in artificial intelligence, psychology, and philosophy is reviewed and contrasted with the proposed model.

Critiques of connectionist research and current cognitive science theories are also offered.