Linking Neural and Symbolic Representation and Processing of Conceptual Structures

Frank van der Velde; Frank van der Velde; Jamie Forth; Deniece S. Nazareth; Geraint A. Wiggins

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01297

Frontiers in Psychology (Aug 2017)

Linking Neural and Symbolic Representation and Processing of Conceptual Structures

Frank van der Velde,
Frank van der Velde,
Jamie Forth,
Deniece S. Nazareth,
Geraint A. Wiggins

Affiliations

Frank van der Velde: Department of Cognitive Psychology and Ergonomics, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social sciences, University of TwenteEnschede, Netherlands
Frank van der Velde: Institute of Psychology (IOP)Leiden, Netherlands
Jamie Forth: Department of Computing, Goldsmiths University of LondonLondon, United Kingdom
Deniece S. Nazareth: Department of Cognitive Psychology and Ergonomics, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social sciences, University of TwenteEnschede, Netherlands
Geraint A. Wiggins: Computational Creativity Lab, Cognitive Science Group, School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of LondonLondon, United Kingdom

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01297
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 8

Abstract

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We compare and discuss representations in two cognitive architectures aimed at representing and processing complex conceptual (sentence-like) structures. First is the Neural Blackboard Architecture (NBA), which aims to account for representation and processing of complex and combinatorial conceptual structures in the brain. Second is IDyOT (Information Dynamics of Thinking), which derives sentence-like structures by learning statistical sequential regularities over a suitable corpus. Although IDyOT is designed at a level more abstract than the neural, so it is a model of cognitive function, rather than neural processing, there are strong similarities between the composite structures developed in IDyOT and the NBA. We hypothesize that these similarities form the basis of a combined architecture in which the individual strengths of each architecture are integrated. We outline and discuss the characteristics of this combined architecture, emphasizing the representation and processing of conceptual structures.

Published in Frontiers in Psychology

ISSN: 1664-1078 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: Psychology
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology

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