Descartes Institute
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The Descartes Institute of the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (CADS) investigates novel methods, tools and representations that best describe human behavior in a variety of critical applications, especially in engineering. The Institute and its activities are inspired by the work of René Descartes in philosophy, mathematics, and cognition.
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[edit] Activities
The Institute develops new approaches for counter-terrorism, based on in-depth analysis and advanced analytical methods. It lends particular focus to such human attributes as the codification of belief, desire, intention, risk, deterrence and fear. With a particular aim to establish foundations of information system design based on open systems architecture highly dependent on the interactive environment, the Descartes Institute helps to formulate progressive and innovative developments in the aforementioned fields for both the public and private sector.
[edit] Inspiration
The Descartes Institute follows in the tracks of the philosopher's work, focusing on the methods of science he initiated. The Institute's work begins with the four precepts illustrated in Descartes' Discourse on the Method, namely:
- Filter away all that may be in doubt.
- Divide difficulties to as small pieces as necessary.
- Start with the simplest problems.
- Make lists, tables, diagrams.
[edit] Events
The inaugural Descartes Conference on Mathematical Models in Counterterrorism (DCMMC), held 28-29 September 2006, examined current developments in applying mathematics and computer science to counterterrorism, defense and security methods to address the exploitation of technology by radicals for malignant ends. The conference explored cognitive psychology, modeling, graph theory, lattice theory, cognitive linguistics, information retrieval and knowledge discovery. The inaugural edition of the annual conference series honored Dr. Vladimir Lefebvre, awarding him the Descartes Medal in Cognitive Studies in recognition of his lifetime achievements in mathematical psychology.
[edit] External Links
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