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Explaining the nervous system in terms of computer programming and the object-class abstraction

Josephson, Brian D. (2002) Explaining the nervous system in terms of computer programming and the object-class abstraction. [Preprint]

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Abstract

It is argued that the key to understanding the brain is to view it as a device making extensive use of methodologies developed in computer programming, the idea of compiling source code written in a high-level language providing a mechanism for conceptually linking the two domains. Following the argument through, one arrives at a clarification of what the nervous system in its complexity is all about; it consists of a collection of devices for implementing specific kinds of competence, in ways in principle indicated in detail by application of the object-oriented programming paradigm to the various kinds of processes featuring in cognitive life.

Item Type:Preprint
Additional Information:This is a very preliminary draft and comments on presentation and validity, suggestions of further illustrations of the model, etc., are invited (email to: bdj10@cam.ac.uk).
Keywords:Brain modelling, computation, development, object-oriented programming, high-level languages, compilation process, nativism, constructivism
Subjects:Neuroscience > Neural Modelling
Computer Science > Neural Nets
Computer Science > Artificial Intelligence
ID Code:1456
Deposited By: Josephson, Prof. Brian D.
Deposited On:04 Dec 2002
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:54

References in Article

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ARBIB, Michael, The Mirror System, in Imitation and the Evolution of Language, in Imitation in Animals and Artifacts, Nehaniv, C. and Dautenhahn, K. (2000).

JAVA tutorial, The, http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/java/concepts/

KARMILOFF-SMITH, Annette, Beyond Modularity: a Developmental Perspective on Cognitive Science, MIT (1992).

MINSKY, Marvin, The Society of Mind, Heinemann (1987).

QUARTZ, Steven R. and Terrence J. SEJNOWSKI, The neural basis of cognitive development: A constructivist manifesto, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 20(4) 537-596 (1997).

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