In this groundbreaking work, computer scientists Leslie G. Valiant details a promising new computational approach to studying the intricate workings of the brain. Focusing on the brain's enigmatic ability to quickly access a massive store of accumulated information during reasoning processes, the author asks how such feats are possible given the extreme constraints imposed by the brain's finite number of neurons, their limited speed of communication, and their restricted interconnectivity. Valiant proposes a "neuroidal model" that serves as a vehicle to explore these fascinating questions. This model provides a concrete computational language and a unified framework in which diverse cognitve phenomena such as memory, learning, and reasoning, can be systematically analysed. Requiring no specialist knowledge this book offers students and researchers in computer science and the cognitive sciences an exciting new approach to brain science.
Reviews
"The book is written in a clear style, with a sufficient number of figures illustrating the algorithms. . .This new insight into complex problems of the brain, as well as the proposed methodology, makes the book highly readable and interesting." --Computing Reviews "The author shows that the proposed neuroidal model supports the cognitive activities he identifies. It provides a good structure to explore the functions of the mind still further." -- IEEE Spectrum "Although there are many books today dealing with a simple neuronal model based on the weighted sum principle, this one rises above these others in providing an explanation of cognitive functions." --Choice



Book Information
ISBN 9780195089264
Author Leslie G. Valiant
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 629g
Dimensions(mm) 242mm * 159mm * 22mm