Connectionism and the Mind: Introduction to Parallel Processing in Networks - Softcover

Bechtel, William; Abrahamsen, Adele

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0631165770 ISBN 13: 9780631165774

Publisher: Wiley–Blackwell, 1990

Synopsis

Something remarkable is happening in the cognitive sciences. After a quarter of a century of cognitive models that were inspired by the metaphor of the digital computer, the newest cognitive models are inspired by the properties of the brain itself. Variously referred to as connectionist, parallel distributed processing, or neutral network models, they explore the idea that complex intellectual operations can be carried out by large networks of simple, neuron–like units. The units themselves are identical, very low–level and ′stupid′. Intelligent performance is derived from the pattern of connection strengths between units, and the fundamental cognitive activity is pattern recognition and completion.

Connectionism and the Mind provides an introduction to this newly emerging approach to understanding the mind. The first few chapters focus on network architecture, offering accessible treatment of the equations that describe learning and the propagation of activation (including a glossary for reference). Furthermore, the reader is walked step–by–step through the activities of networks engaged in pattern recognition, learning, and cognitive tasks such as memory retrieval and prototype formation. The remainder of the book addresses the implications of connectionism for theories of the mind, both philosophical and psychological. Foe example: What Role is played by pattern recognition and completion as basic as cognitive functions? Connectionist models have particular strength in learning and pattern recognition; should they be limited to those functions, or can they provide an overall account of cognitive functioning? In particular, can connectionist models provide an adequate account of the ability to employ linguistic and other symbol systems, or must an adequate system incorporate symbol processing as a basic cognitive capacity?

Finally, Connectionism and the Mind examines the relation of connectionist models to philosophical accounts of propositional attitudes, and to a variety of other inquiries in cognitive psychology, linguistics, developmental psychology, artificial intelligence and neuroscience.

About this title

Review

"Much more than just an update, this is a thorough and exciting re–build of the classic text. Excellent new treatments of modularity, dynamics, artificial life, and cognitive neuroscience locate connectionism at the very heart of contemporary debates. A superb combination of detail, clarity, scope, and enthusiasm." Andy Clark , University of Sussex " Connectionism and the Mind is an extraordinarily comprehensive and thoughtful review of connectionism, with particular emphasis on recent developments. This new edition will be a valuable primer to those new to the field. But there is more: Bechtel and Abrahamsen′s trenchant and even–handed analysis of the conceptual issues that are addressed by connectionist models constitute an important original theoretical contribution to cognitive science." Jeff Elman , University of California at San Diego

Synopsis

The newest cognitive models are inspired by the properties of the brain itself. Variously referred to as "connectionist", "parallel distributed processing" or "neutral-network" models, they explore the idea that complex intellectual operations can be carried out by large networks of simple, neuron-like units. The units themselves are identical, very low-level, and "stupid" - intelligent performance is derived from the pattern of connection strengths between units, and the fundamental cognitive activity is pattern recognition and completion. In contrast, in traditional models knowledge is represented symbolically, and the basic cognitive activity is the manipulation of symbols in accord with rules. "Connectionism and the Mind" provides an introduction to this newly emerging approach to understanding the mind, and includes exposition of several of the actual simulations that connectionists have developed. In addition, this book addresses the implications of connectionism for theories of the mind, both philosophical and psychological.

Finally, "Connectionism and the Mind" examines the relation of connectionist models to philosophical accounts of propositional attitudes, and to a variety of other inquiries in cognitive psychology, linguistics, developmental psychology, artificial intelligence and neuroscience.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley–Blackwell
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0631165770
• ISBN 13: 9780631165774
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 368