Review of the Development of My Scientific Interests and Achievements
Technical Note: The content of this text is not a direct translation of the "Research Path" subpage. It was developed much later, in 2020. Where I reference specific publications by number, these correspond to the numbering established on my main bibliography page.
Many creative individuals, pursuing life goals either consciously or subconsciously, throw themselves into successive challenges without pausing to reflect on the motives driving them. This behavior is somewhat similar to an avid reader who devours one book after another without considering the utility of the knowledge gained. Often, we do not reflect deeply on the stimuli and influences that cause us to take up one specific subject over another.
Occasionally, however, creative people periodically review their achievements and use the results of such an analysis to guide their next steps. When such a review is conducted toward the end of one's life, its meaning and utility lie in the attempt to understand "what guided us" and to realize "how a specific life result came to be"—or perhaps, how the unique (and more or less colorful) sequence of events unfolded. A person conducting such a review may emphasize unusual, atypical, or interesting elements that add color or even a sense of intrigue to the account of their own actions.
This text is precisely an attempt to present the results of such a review, conducted toward the end of my life, written in the form of an engaging narrative.
Chapter I: The Origins of My Personality
If one examines the titles of my scientific, popular-scientific, and popular publications, one can discern the influences that played a role in selecting the themes of my inquiries. I will not hide my belief that my parents, their education, and their backgrounds had a significant impact.
My mother (Gertruda) was born in Upper Silesia around 1910, in what was then part of the German Reich. Polish was spoken in her home, although half of her large family identified with German traditions. My mother belonged to the siblings leaning toward Poland. Her parents enabled her to complete her education on the Polish side of the border of the Second Polish Republic (she lived in the rectory in Radzionków). Initially as a foreigner, she began her studies at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, where she earned a Master’s degree in German Studies and History. I believe my mother contributed to my respect for values such as education, knowledge of foreign languages, the reading of literature, and conscientiousness.
My father (Walenty) completed his medical studies in Poznań just before the outbreak of World War II. He met my mother while working at a hospital in Tarnowskie Góry. He was drafted into the Polish Army units that found themselves near Lviv during the September Campaign. He narrowly escaped the fate of the Polish officers murdered in Katyn. After the war, he settled in Racibórz, where he worked as a physician in various capacities (hospital director, head of an anti-tuberculosis clinic, but primarily running his own private medical practice). Beyond promoting medicine as my field of study, he kindled my interest in astronomy, mathematics, and the diverse problems addressed by modern science. Importantly, his private practice was equipped with numerous diagnostic instruments. My father consistently purchased new devices as they appeared on the market.
Both my mother and father, while formally Catholic, were not highly religious, although they (and I) frequently visited my father's brother, who was a priest. During these visits, I often listened to their fierce theological disputes.
I studied and graduated from medicine at the then Silesian Medical Academy. Crucially, throughout my studies, I lived in student dormitories in rooms shared with 3–4 colleagues. I believe the habit of sitting for hours in cafes (starting from my third year of study) in Zabrze (notably the "Pod Gronem" cafe) for informal discussions on various topics had a significant influence on me.
My wife, whom I married immediately after graduation, proved to be an exceptionally understanding person, approving of my dedication of nearly all time and energy to scientific work. She supported me throughout my life, recognizing that my life goals required total professional commitment. Her constructive criticism of my projects also had a beneficial impact.
The first two years after medical school were pivotal for the long-term direction of my intellectual activity. At that time, it was possible to pursue a two-year postgraduate internship at the clinics of one's alma mater. I was accepted for an internship at the clinic of Professor Kornel Gibiński, who was regarded as an extraordinarily enlightened clinician and scientist. While working in his Internal Medicine Clinic, I presented my first work for his approval:
1. Brodziak A., Czogała E.: The use of set theory elements in differential diagnosis. Polski Tygodnik Lekarski, 1967, 22, 121-123.
The preparation of this article stemmed from my conviction that medicine should utilize the possibilities of mathematics to a much greater extent. Professor Gibiński then proposed that I undertake doctoral studies in the "Applications of Mathematics in Medicine." I pursued these under the direction of Professor Zubrzycki from the Polish Academy of Sciences. It so happened that during this time, the first "digital machines" (later called computers) appeared in Poland. Consequently, between 1965 and 1970, I reviewed the possibilities resulting not only from mathematical tools but also from these prototypes of modern computers.
Chapter II: Development and Course of Scientific Activity
Mathematics, Computers, and Medicine (1965–1975)
Broadly speaking, my attempts to demonstrate the utility of mathematical methods and digital machines during the 1965–1975 decade focused on supporting diagnostics. In the first phase of my doctoral studies, I focused on taxonomic methods:
8. Brodziak A.: Application of taxonomic methods to computer-assisted diagnosis. Ann. Med. Sec. Pol. Acad. Sci., 1971, 17, 51-62.
The calculations (method simulations) for this work were performed using one of the first modern computers installed in Poland—a Danish machine located at the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw.
A more important stage involved attempts to recreate the thought process used by doctors when establishing a diagnosis. I tried to replicate the essence of such reasoning using a program written in the ALGOL programming language [7]. ALGOL played a vital role in computer science history as a standard for describing algorithms in scientific publications. Practical experiments with this program were conducted at the ZETO facility in Katowice using the "Minsk 22" digital machine.
My proposed program featured a "main control unit" and subroutines that recreated diagnostic verification procedures described in textbooks. The program worked, but my experiments revealed that it is extremely difficult to algorithmically recreate the synthesis of data obtained from confirming multiple diagnostic suspicions. I realized the profound difference between algorithmic operation and the fuzzy, probabilistic estimation of diagnostic hypotheses occurring in the human mind. Although this work served as my Ph.D. thesis and garnered significant interest, it became the primary stimulus for me to examine how the doctor’s brain solves the same diagnostic problem.
Efforts to Understand How the Brain Works
The intent to understand how the brain works—even in the narrow scope of problem-solving (so-called directed thinking)—was a desperate undertaking in the early 1970s. However, I came across Jerzy Konorski's book, The Integrative Activity of the Brain. At the time, neurophysiology and cognitive science were at a stage that presented a massive intellectual challenge. I accepted it, reading dozens of works in neurophysiology to formulate a "type of extrapolation": "If this is how it works at this level, then it must work like this at the next."
This resulted in a 500-page book:
22. Brodziak A.: Psychonics. Theory of structures and information processes of the human central nervous system and its use in informatics. PAN Medical Sciences Department, Katowice, 1974.
The first chapter synthesized the state of neurophysiology at the time, while the second was an "extrapolation of neural circuits" reaching the level of problem-solving. In the third chapter, I presented conclusions regarding attempts to recreate these principles in computer science.
Beyond the book, I published several works on neural structures and processes, such as the sensation of pain and pleasure, the memorization of a life path, and the perception of space and time [50, 60, 62, 63, 65]. The most significant achievement for me was proposing a theory on how the brain functions—specifically, describing the mechanism of imagination (retrieving data from memory), which occurs differently than in computer memory. The nature of imagination is key to understanding the essence of consciousness [116].
In hindsight, it was a mistake to wait so long to publish works on the nature of mental images in high-Impact Factor journals. These only appeared later: [157, 219, 293]. However, when my observations were finally recognized and appreciated by other authors (e.g., Wiesław Galus and Janusz Starzyk), I realized this theory would have a long-term impact on AI and the potential transfer of human personality to hardware systems [70].
New Generations of Computers and Psychiatry in Paris
Despite the significance of my theoretical work, my published monograph did not meet the requirements for a Habilitation (Sc.D.) degree, as it was purely theoretical. Between 1975 and 1980, I focused on obtaining undeniable practical results.
A scientific scholarship in Paris (1975–1976) at the Clinique des Maladies Mentales et de l'Encephale – l'Hopital Saint Anne allowed me to achieve this. Working in Professor Pierre Pichot’s psychometry lab, I used one of the first computers equipped with a monitor and keyboard to develop software for automated patient dialogue. Written in FORTRAN, this automated interview for general psychiatry was deemed highly useful and allowed me to defend my Habilitation thesis upon my return to Poland [23, 24, 28].
Following this, I organized a "Computerized Hospital Information System" for the Gastroenterology Clinic in Katowice-Ligota [14, 15, 17, 21, 25]. Using mining industry computers and British ICL hardware, it was essentially a prototype of an internet network before the Internet existed. During this period, I also began promoting the integration of clinical psychology with practical medicine.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
The development of MRI would not have been possible without high-speed computers. I was fascinated by the possibility of non-invasive pathology imaging using radio pulses. I organized Poland's first scientific conference on MRI in Katowice in January 1985. Since a group of Polish physicists wanted to build a prototype MRI scanner, the conference included a competition for image reconstruction algorithms. For a long time, I was known in Poland as a primary promoter of imaging techniques [45, 58, 181, 187].
Clinical Psychology, Psychosomatics, and Indirect Psychotherapy
My specific background—algorithmization of reasoning, neurophysiological modeling, and psychiatric experience in Paris—gave me a unique view of the psyche. I built a concrete model of the human mind that I represented in graphic diagrams (see my homepage). One synthesized several psychological schools (mainly Jung), while another modified Freud’s schemes.
I argued that the psyche must be viewed against external conditions, leading to my proposal of the "Personal World Scheme." In my private practice, I used diagnostic tools based on George Kelly's "Personal Construct Theory." I also contributed to the theory of indirect forms of psychotherapy, using novels and other cultural elements to support therapy [249]. I organized two "Psychomedicine" conferences [83, 95] to promote these ideas. While once seen as "eccentric," the integration of IT and psychology in hospitals is now standard.
Geophysics and Medicine
In 1989, I learned that cytokines (TNF and IL-1) are involved in sleep processes. We began measuring these in our clinic, which led to experiments on the circadian rhythms of cytokines published in international journals. This inspired me to investigate other geophysical factors. I collaborated with the Institute of Physics at the Jagiellonian University to study solar activity, Schumann resonance, and Pc1/Pc3 micropulsations.
One study used equipment to replicate Schumann resonance-like oscillations to improve patient well-being—an early experiment in stimulating the neuro-immuno-endocrine system. I compiled this knowledge in the popular book The Solar Storm is Coming. One of its key hypotheses is that social concepts formed during "troughs" of the 11-year solar cycle are implemented during "peaks," allowing for geopolitical forecasting.
When the Internet Arrived
I recognized the potential of the Internet at its inception. In 1995, I traveled to Krakow (which had one of the few internet nodes) to create my first website promoting online biographies—years before Facebook. In 1997, I received a grant from the Batory Foundation to create "Telediagnostics for patients, doctors, and medical managers" [121, 122, 124, etc.].
However, my focus on "geophysical conditions of mental health" and metaphysical reflections proved so controversial at the time that the university authorities removed the files from the server. I later recreated these on other servers, where they remain useful for remote learning and counseling [standard.htm, treatment.htm, e-learning.htm]—utility that became particularly clear during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Worldview and Philosophical Concepts
Clinical psychology suggests that one’s well-being depends on one’s worldview. This, combined with my pantheistic views (in the spirit of Baruch Spinoza), led me to deep philosophical inquiry. In 1983, following a debate with an atheist, I wrote You Are Immortal – A Discussion of the Conclusions of Physicists, Biologists, and Doctors Resulting from the Anthropic Principle. Originally censored in 1989, it was published after the fall of the regime. With 20,000 copies distributed, it became widely known [niesmiertelny.htm].
The text presents conclusions for human existence based on spacetime concepts and the "Massive Reincarnation" theory within a cyclic universe. I expanded on this in later works [191, 286, 287]. My theory, TWLNOS (Theory of People's Participation in Recurrent Reoccurrence of the Next Version of the Universe), argues that a friendly, empathetic worldview promotes public mental health. I continue to propagate these ideas under a pseudonym for a broader audience [theory.htm].
The Demographic Crisis – What Is To Be Done?
Poland is among the countries whose population is shrinking rapidly. Previous efforts aimed at counteracting this trend have been ineffective. Even the government program of direct financial support for parents, which has been operational for several years, has failed to reverse the decline.
It is a significant challenge for Public Health experts to understand the underlying causes of this trend. It should also be feasible to identify the types of interventions that would effectively counteract the demographic crisis. My commencement of work at the University of Applied Sciences (PWSZ) in 2001 made it possible to conduct research on the views of young women regarding this issue.
My research, which was expanded to include data from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, led to the formulation of a theory explaining the causes of the decreasing birth rate and the proposal of specific remedies. The results of these studies, along with the formulated theory and recommendations, were presented in a monograph titled: "Demographic Crisis – Causes and Ways of Counteracting it in the Light of International Own Research" [225-266]. [https://www.angelfire.com/ga3/gean/cover-demogr-2.jpg] Extensive discussions of these findings are also available as e-learning lectures [http://elearning.pwsz.nysa.pl/, under the "Public Health" section].
One of the recommendations included states: "If we accept these circumstances, then the principles of counteracting falling fertility rates must largely focus on creating conditions that allow women to reconcile child-rearing with professional work."
Accepting this premise leads to the designation of specific state actions. It implies the necessity of providing nearly free childcare while the mother is at work (affordable nurseries, kindergartens, or funding for nannies) and ensuring childcare during periods when women want to "take a break" from constant caregiving (the so-called "night out" or "respite care").
Recognizing these dependencies also leads to the conclusion that an awareness campaign is necessary to communicate these conditions to partners (men), which requires the cooperation of the mass media. Furthermore, the same patterns suggest that state financial aid must be highly diversified. Even a high cash benefit is not enough. The experience from effective actions taken in France indicates that financial aid should include:
Appropriately structured tax reliefs.
Significant subsidies for stays in nurseries and kindergartens.
Organizing a network of co-financed "babysitters/nannies."
Nearly free medications, nutrients, and clothing for children.
Free forms of education and nearly free textbooks.
A sense of agency, freedom, and the absence of ideological constraints are also of great importance to women. Measures implemented by the government and state authorities should not give the impression of forcing specific actions on women, but should rather be presented as offers for voluntary participation.
The content of the aforementioned monograph will soon be available as a file on the PWSZ server in Nysa.
The Significance of the Human Genome for Diagnosis and Therapy
The epidemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus made us realize that serious threats to human health and life have emerged as consequences of globalization. The coronavirus spread so rapidly due to the extraordinary mobility of people, driven by numerous global economic ties and the overwhelming growth of air travel.
On the other hand, the emerging possibility of controlling the threat resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is due to the development of biotechnology. The threat will be averted if people manage to develop a vaccine and then launch its mass production. Defending against threats caused by globalization is thus possible thanks to acquiring knowledge in the field of engineering (virus genome identification and vaccine synthesis).
In recent years, the increasing knowledge of genetics and the human genome has also enhanced our understanding of the essence of many previously incurable diseases. I take satisfaction in the fact that I have published two important works on this subject. In my articles:
[207] "Activation of endogenous retroviruses by infection of the mother's body during early pregnancy - the likely cause of schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis"
[210] "The role of human endogenous retroviruses in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases"
I present extremely intriguing hypotheses regarding the conditioning of diseases by previously mysterious sequences of the human genome known as "endogenous retroviruses."
Publications in 2023 – After the Rapid Spread of Effective Artificial Intelligence Systems
Throughout my years of scientific and publishing activity, I have repeatedly attempted to reproduce human cognitive activities in artificial systems. These were my works on the "algorithmization of medical diagnostic reasoning" and "medical expert systems." A particularly important publication in this area is the article mentioned earlier:
Brodziak A, Ryś M. The unit of neural networks modelling recall of mental images by oscillation of feedback loops caused by change of set point signal. Problemy Techniki Medycznej. 1990; 21(1): 30-37. [https://basiclearning.angelfire.com/equimerec-2.pdf]
The unique significance of this article, describing the constructed "equimerec unit" and the "functional unit of human neural circuits," prompted me to publish the following work:
Andrzej Brodziak, Filip Romaniuk. (2023). The functional unit of neural circuits and its relations to eventual sentience of artificial intelligence systems. Qeios. https://doi.org/10.32388/82VRPG
This article was commented on by 18 reviewers. This work proves that years ago, I made a significant contribution to research on the development of artificial intelligence. It is worth noting that the Qeios platform is also an innovative initiative to revolutionize the way scientific papers are published.
Author: Prof. Andrzej Brodziak, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sci.