BI 191 Damian Kelty-Stephen: Fractal Turbulent Cascading Intelligence

Summary

In this Brain Inspired episode, experimental psychologist Damian Kelty‑Stephen critiques the dominant computer‑metaphor of the brain and proposes that fractal, cascade, and turbulence dynamics—rooted in ecological psychology—better explain intelligence and behavior across scales. He traces his academic journey from developmental psychology to ecological approaches, highlighting how fractal analyses of motor coordination revealed multiscale patterns that challenge traditional representational views. Kelty‑Stephen argues that embracing multifractal and turbulent processes can reshape our understanding of cognition, offering a more embodied, non‑computational perspective.