[titanomachy]

To borrow Prof. 't Hooft's imagery, I imagine that GAI would be right at the top of a skyscraper whose lower levels consist of mathematics, cognitive science, and computer science at increasing levels of sophistication.

Beginning your study of cognitive/computer science with GAI could be frustrating and fruitless, just as would be beginning your study of physics with superstring theory.

There are probably well-written and interesting GAI books/articles for laypeople, though, analogous to Brian Greene's excellent books on string theory.

[ioeu]

Your response is totally understandable given my (very clumsy) comment. Let me make myself more clear; I'm in the process of reading up on what material one should study to set oneself up to ultimately be able to consider AGI research as a career choice.

You say "mathematics, cognitive science, and computer science at increasing levels of sophistication.". That's probably true, I'd recon a fair bit of biology, chemistry and physics is most likely also needed.

My question, though, is what specific branches of said subjects?