In the next section of my drawing, I would also like to reflect on my journey into the advanced degree of "Secret Master":

I am no longer "blind" as in the first three degrees, but a transparent silhouette of grief envelops my face. At first, my mouth is symbolically marked as a "Z" with a white key, later I learn that the material was originally made of ivory. The letter Z, I learn, is the first sign of the password of this degree.

Neural networks work differently than traditional computers. This difference in information processing will be briefly explained below.

• In the computer, the individual pieces of information (i.e. bit sequences, i.e. sequences of 0 and 1) are processed one after the other. In contrast to this serial processing, the neural network processes the signal patterns in parallel.

• The speed of signal processing on the switching elements (e.g. transistors) of a computer is in the range of millionths of a second, whereas in the neurons of the brain it is only in the range of a few thousandths of a second. On the other hand, this slow speed of signal processing by a biological neuron is compensated by the parallel information processing of several neurons.

• Computers consist of several million switching elements, the cerebrum contains over 20 billion neurons. A switching element of the computer has only a few connection connections, a neuron can have up to 10000 synapses. The networking density of neural networks is incomparably higher than that of a computer.

• The hardware of modern computers must be absolutely reliable and error-free. A little damage and the computer is already standing. Computers are therefore intolerant of errors. Neural networks, on the other hand, are quite different. The failure of individual neurons does not lead to a total failure, but only causes a slow drop in performance. Neural networks are fault-tolerant.

• The hardware of a computer cannot be changed by entering input patterns, but the networking strength in neural networks can. The brain can react to input changes by adapting its hardware (neuroplasticity).

• In the computer, a precise distinction is made between data and addresses. Data is stored at addresses and retrieved from there. Data is processed by program commands running in the CPU. In neural networks, this separation of addresses, data and commands does not exist. The stored contents are the addresses. The data is represented by altered synapse weights at specific locations in the network. Data processing in neural networks is not carried out by programmed commands, but by the feedback mechanism in guided networks or the mechanism of lateral association in self-organizing networks. A detailed explanation of this will be given in the next section.

Finally, I would like to address the philosophical consequence of the findings of modern neuroscience. To this end, I quote three leading researchers on it, the Nobel laureate and neurobiologist Francis Crick, the psychiatrist Manfred Spitzer and the philosopher Paul Churchland. 

The astonishing hypothesis is this: people, their joys and sorrows, their memories, their goals, their sense of identity and free will - all of which are really just the behavior of a vast collection of nerve cells and associated molecules (Francis Crick, 1994). 

It can be assumed that every human being is born with a certain basic neuromodulatory endowment. The chemical neuromodulators such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine determine his temperament or they are his temperament. Differences in their presence between individual people thus lay the foundation for behavioral dispositions and ways of reacting. However, we are not completely at the mercy of this genetic fate, these neuromodulators and their effects can also be influenced by our individual learning experiences (Manfred Spitzer, 1996).

The widely reciprocally coupled neural network between the cerebral cortex and the thalamus in the diencephalon exhibits the seven important properties that are also attributed to consciousness (short-term memory, selective attention, ability to integrate polymodal inputs, variable ability to interpret data, cognitive activities independent of sensory inputs, dreaming, deep sleep). In terms of neuroinformatics, we can describe how each of these properties is generated, and it is conceivable that physical structures of our brain also generate them in this way. So my hypothesis is as follows: Cognitive activity emerges in consciousness when and only when it is represented as patterns of electrical signals and synaptic connection strengths (i.e., as vectors) within the neural network (Paul Churchland, 1997). 

The findings of modern neuroscience have obviously overcome the old, occidental dualism of matter and spirit, or body and soul. This also dissolves the dualistic dilemma of the interaction of matter and spirit. Paul Churchland describes the brain as a soul machine, Manfred Spitzer as a rule-recognition machine. 

Conscious experiences are the result of information-processing processes in a dense and complexly structured network of billions of neurons. In this sense, they are system functions of the brain. The question of an immaterial being behind neuronal activity cannot be answered by scientific psychology; but the philosophical point of view shows "Cogito ergo sum" (René Descartes) or else as Augustine argued at the time: 

"Si enim fallor, sum. Nam qui non est, utique nec falli potest. Ac per hoc sum, si fallor. Quia ergo sum, si fallor, quomodo esse me fallor, quando certum est me esse, si fallor?" 

"Even if I'm wrong, I am. Because if you are not, you cannot be mistaken. And so I am, if I am mistaken. Since, therefore, if I am mistaken, how can I deceive myself about my being, since it is certain that I am, even if I am mistaken?"

....

As in the course of my journey in the advanced degrees, I have become more aware of myself, because the first division of our degrees is called "Ineffable Degrees". As described in the book "A Bridge To Light" by Br. Rex R. Hutchens and hinted at by Br. Albert Pike "Morals and Dogma", it is the light of the Almighty that reflects in us and His divine wisdom that is in us humans.

So it's not the "word" that was lost, but I wasn't aware of myself. Thus, it also goes hand in hand with the fact that God's creation is us humans and that in every human being there is also the divine and thus also something "indestructible" and "immortal"...

With these open questions, I would like to interrupt my journey and report on the progress of this journey...

The Valley of Columbus is establishing a paver garden in front of the Scottish Rite Center. It will start at the bottom of the steps on both sides of the front porch and extend to the end of each side of the building. It will be similar to the pavers at the Masonic Children's Home in Macon. This is a great opportunity to support the Valley of Columbus Building Fund by purchasing a paver, and to honor those people or organizations that have a special meaning to you (to include yourself!). Complete the order form in this issues of The Ashlar or open in a new window HERE.

As a result of our Power of 3 Program plan to raise $3M in 3 years to provide low- or no-cost intervention to help Georgia children with communication disorders find their ‘voice,’ I asked Ryan Gilliam, the Chief Operating Officer of KNR Therapy, how potential RiteCare donations could be used by KNR Therapy at the Autism Learning Center in Columbus. Below is his response:

“Thank you for considering us for your continued generous support. Below, I have provided detailed information regarding our staff, client numbers, the impact of various donation amounts, and our future growth plans.

Current and Projected Staff and Client Numbers:

• Current Clients: 60

• Current RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians): 35

• Current BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts): 7

Projected Numbers in the Next Few Months:

• Clients: 71

• RBTs: 50

• BCBAs: 15

Impact of Donation Amounts:

• $20,000 Donation: This would cover advanced training materials for staff development or specialized toys/equipment for client therapy, allowing more clients to have PECS communication tools and resources.

• $50,000 Donation: Could fund technology upgrades (like tablets for interactive learning) or support a series of parent training workshops, providing essential learning materials or therapy tools for all KNR clients.

• $100,000 Donation: This would significantly contribute towards advanced therapy equipment or furnishing a therapy room (sensory room) to enhance the therapeutic environment. We have a room in the clinic that needs a shower and plumbing removed to repurpose the space for our clients.

Potential Funding Utilization Ideas:

• Supporting Columbus State University's ABA Program: Establishing a chair at Columbus State University to develop an ABA program aligns perfectly with our mission to grow the BCBA population. This initiative will benefit our clinic and the wider community by increasing the availability of qualified professionals.