creators_name: Josephson, Brian D.
type: preprint
datestamp: 2002-12-04
lastmod: 2011-03-11 08:54:37
metadata_visibility: show
title: Explaining the nervous system in terms of computer programming and the object-class abstraction
subjects: neuro-mod
subjects: comp-sci-neural-nets
subjects: comp-sci-art-intel
full_text_status: public
keywords: Brain modelling, computation, development, object-oriented programming, high-level languages, compilation process, nativism, constructivism
note: 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).
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. 
date: 2002-12
date_type: published
refereed: FALSE
referencetext: 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).

citation:   Josephson, Brian D.  (2002) Explaining the nervous system in terms of computer programming and the object-class abstraction.  [Preprint]     
document_url: http://cogprints.org/1456/1/Explaining_NS.html