The Neurodynamics of Intentionality in Animal Brains May Provide a

Neurodynamics of intentionality in the behavioral act of observation Intelligent behavior is characterized by flexible and creative pursuit of endogenously defined goals. It has emerged in humans through the stages of evolution that are manifested in the brains and behaviors of other animals. Intentionality is a key concept by which to link brain dynamics to goaldirected behavior. The archetypal form of intentional behavior is an act of observation through time and space, by which information is sought for the guidance of future action. Sequences of such acts constitute the key desired property of freeroving, semi-autonomous devices capable of exploring remote environments that are inhospitable for humans. Intentionality consists of (a) the neurodynamics by which images are created of future states as goals; (b) command sequences by which to act in pursuit of goals; (c) prediction of changes in sensory input resulting from intended actions (reafference); (d) evaluation of performance; and (e) modification of the device by itself in learning from the consequences of its intended actions. These principles are well known among psychologists and philosophers. What is new is the development of nonlinear mesoscopic brain dynamics, by which to apply chaos theory in order to understand and simulate the construction of meaningful patterns of endogenous activity that implement the perceptual process of observation